14-year-old Boy shoots mother’s alleged abuser

A 14-year-old Alabama boy fatally shot his mother’s alleged abuser with a 12 gauge shotgun last week, leaving questions as to whether the shooting was justified under the state’s self-defense laws.

Police identified the victim as 34-year-old Ayatollah Mohammed, who is believed to have attacked the boy’s mother the day before the shooting.

“There is a history of domestic violence,” Brett King, the defense attorney representing the boy, told WIAT. “And it is our understanding that he aggressively attacked her the day before the shooting in Jefferson County.”

As for how the shooting unfolded, King said, “There was a domestic incident that morning. The deceased was actually escorted off the property and actually taken to Jefferson County. And best we know right now is he actually walked on foot back the seven miles, was back in the house when he was discovered by the mother and the son. And soon there after he was shot.”

For at least one attorney, not involved in the case but familiar with self-defense law in Alabama, it’s pretty straightforward as to how to interpret the situation.

“It’s a classic stand your ground,” said attorney Charles Salvagio. “The person that was killed did not have the right to be where he was. The person that shot him did have the right to be where he was. He was justified in using deadly force if he thought his mom was going to be injured.”

Though, police are not ready to call this one just yet.

“We can’t make any call right now until we get all the facts and determine what happened at the scene,” said Sheriff Lloyd Arrington.