A man accused of breaking into a home in North Carolina on Saturday was killed after a 12-year-old boy shot him in self-defense while protecting his grandmother, authorities said.
“A 12-year-old juvenile occupant of the residence shot at the suspects with a firearm in self-defense, causing them to flee the area,” officials wrote in the release.
The intruder who was killed has been identified as 19-year-old Khalil Herring, who died in a hospital after authorities located him at a nearby intersection with a gunshot wound while responding to reports of gunfire Feb. 13 morning shortly after midnight.
Ellis was also rushed to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after one of the intruders allegedly shot her in the leg. She is listed in stable condition and is expected to be released on Monday..
The boy is not expected to face charges for fatally shooting Herring, police said, according to preliminary evidence, adding that an investigation is underway.
“[The intruder] just shot his grandma ... He would have shot him too, he would’ve shot me too, he would’ve killed us all,” Bunn said.
Another family member told the network she couldn’t believe her great aunt was shot, explaining she is beloved across the community and always wants to see an end to senseless violence.
Police have not arrested the second suspect and a person of interest has not yet been announced.
