Nigerian immigrant fatally shot by 12-year-old son in Alabama

A Nigerian mother in Alabama was accidentally shot to death by her 12-year-old son, police said. In the aftermath of the incident, the juvenile initially told investigators that an intruder had entered their home and shot his mother, Mirror reported. He later confessed to the August 6 killing.

The deceased woman was identified as Ayobiyi Cook. Authorities said the boy initially claimed the intruder shot and killed his mother before fleeing the scene. But it was later established he had made up the story.

“The child originally fabricated a story that detectives determined was not possible,” Deputy Chief David Agee said in a statement. “After investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to determine that the victim’s 12-year-old son unintentionally discharged a firearm striking his mother causing her death.”

Police were able to establish the boy’s account of what transpired was inaccurate after they asked him to provide more details about the shooting. “The child eventually gave a true account of what happened,” David said.

“Evidence on the scene supports that the shooting was unintentional and the offence will be addressed through the Family Court system,” the Deputy Chief added. “The family has been cooperative throughout the process and the child will remain with them.”

The 12-year-old boy’s father is on the Birmingham police force, and he was on duty at the time of the fatal shooting, Birmingham Real-Time News reported.

“This offence is a tragedy for the Cook family and the entire community,” David said.