A former college football player accidentally shot his mother, mistaking her for an intruder in their Missouri home. Jaylen Johnson, 25, fired at his mother, Monica McNichols-Johnson, 56, as she attempted to enter their home in the St. Louis suburb of Olivette on Thursday night, March 7.
Tragically, McNichols-Johnson lost her life despite efforts by Johnson’s girlfriend to assist her after the shooting.
Johnson’s attorney, William Goldstein, revealed that his client promptly called 911 after the incident and has been deeply distressed since. Goldstein mentioned that Johnson has been continuously crying over the tragic mistake.
In Goldstein’s words, “He hasn’t stopped crying”
Prosecutors charged Johnson with manslaughter and armed criminal action, setting his bail at $100,000. Despite having no criminal history, Johnson, who appears to own a car rental company in Missouri, now faces legal consequences.
According to Goldstein, Johnson had kept a firearm for protection after experiencing a prior armed robbery. Missouri’s ‘stand your ground’ law, allowing the use of deadly force if individuals feel threatened, may come into play in this case. McNichols-Johnson, the victim, was a retired school teacher.
The incident sheds light on the complexities of firearm ownership and the unintended consequences that can arise even in cases of self-defense.
