A 12-year-old Nigerian boy has accidentally killed his mother, Ayobiyi Abeni Harris Cook, at their home in Forestdale, Alabama, United States.
CBS News reported that the boy “accidentally discharged a firearm” which struck and killed his 29-year-old mom on Monday.
His father, Djuan Cook, a policeman, was said to be at work when the incident happened.
A statement from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the boy had initially lied to detectives about the cause of his mother’s death after cops arrived at the scene some minutes past midnight.
He was reported to have said an intruder broke into the house, shot his mother and fled.
But on further investigation of the killing, he reportedly admitted to killing his mother.
The statement read in part, “The child originally fabricated a story that detectives determined was not possible; the child eventually gave a true account of what happened.
“The boy’s family, who he will remain with, has been cooperative. The case will be addressed through the family court system.”
A prior statement by the Jefferson County deputies stated that there had been no forced entry into the home when they arrived at the scene.
It read, “On Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 12:10am, Jefferson County Deputies received a 911 call for help at a residence in the 2400 block of Freemont Avenue in the Forestdale community. Deputies arrived and found a 29-year-old woman deceased on the scene.
“There appeared to be no forced entry into the home and a man was seen fleeing from the residence shortly before the 911 call was made. Sheriff’s detectives were able to recover evidence on the scene and are continuing to investigate.”
The deceased’s husband, Djuan Cook, in a Facebook post, said Ayobiyi was known as “Yo” or “YoYo.
He wrote, “The funeral arrangements would be held on August 12. Orange was Yo’s favourite colour so feel free to wear it as we celebrate her life.”
