Mom Faces Murder Charge In Son's Shooting But She Did Not Pull Trigger: Police

DECATUR, GA — A DeKalb County mother is facing murder charges after her 5-year-old son was fatally shot Wednesday in the 4400 block of Pleasant Point Drive, though police say she did not pull the trigger.

The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. at an apartment. The boy, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital, but later died of his injuries, DeKalb County Police said Thursday.

While police did not say what led to the shooting, they said they arrested the child's mother, 25-year-old Lanecia Bennett, in connection with the deadly shooting.

Her suspected involvement is unknown, but police said she did not fire the gun. Police added there was not a break-in at the home nor was there a threat to the public.

Other young children were in the home at the time, but police said Bennett was the sole adult in the home. She was arrested on charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children, police said.

Authorities have not said who might have pulled the trigger.

"As investigators continue to piece together the events of this tragic shooting, we want to remind the public that if they have guns, it’s important for owners to do what they can to keep guns out of the hands of children," police said in a news release.

"That’s why DeKalb County Police Department offers small gun safes for free. They're additional safety measures so parents and other adults can have some peace of mind, knowing guns are a little more out of reach of children. Again, these safety devices are absolutely free. Anyone can go into their local precinct and pick up a gun safe. We encourage anyone to stop by and pick one up."

Police said gun safes can be retrieved from these precincts:

• 2484 Bruce St., Lithonia
• 4451 Lawrenceville Hwy., Tucker
• 2842 H.F. Shepherd Drive, Decatur
• 1960 W. Exchange Place, Tucker

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