An Alabama boy admitted to accidentally shooting his mother after initially making up a story about how she died, authorities said Monday.
The family of the 12-year-old boy, who has not been publicly identified, has cooperated with authorities and his case will be heard in the family court system, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The victim was identified as Ayobiyi Cook, 29, the sheriff’s office said.
The shooting happened just after midnight on Saturday in Forestdale, just north of Birmingham.
in a first statementthe sheriff’s office said a man was seen fleeing the home where Cook’s body was found shortly before someone there called 911. There appeared to be no break-in, the first statement said.
In a second statementThe sheriff’s office said investigators determined an account of the boy was “not possible.”
“The child eventually gave a truthful description of what happened,” the statement said, adding that the child inadvertently fired a gun and fatally struck his mother.
Evidence found at the scene suggested the shooting was accidental, the statement said.
“This is a tragedy for the Cook family and the entire community,” the statement said.
The sheriff’s office gave no further details about the incident. A man listed in public records as a relative of Cook who appeared to live with her did not immediately respond to a message asking for comment.