A 25-year-old Missouri man has been charged with shooting and killing his mother as she attempted to enter the back door of their home.
Jaylen Johnson’s attorney, William Goldstein, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that when his mother attempted to enter the residence in the St. Louis suburb of Olivette around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Johnson mistook her for an intruder.
Monica McNichols-Johnson, 56, died at home, despite the fact that Johnson’s girlfriend and paramedics were called to the scene after she was shot.
Goldstein said Johnson, 25, contacted 911 immediately after shooting his mother and has been distraught ever since.
“He hasn’t stopped crying,” Goldstein explained.
Johnson is accused of manslaughter and armed criminal conduct, and his bail has been set at $100,000.
Johnson is a former college football player who is employed, has no criminal history, and “has a bright future,” according to Goldstein. Johnson also retained a revolver for protection after being robbed at gunpoint in the past.
“[He’s] just a sweetheart of a kid,” Goldstein told the publication.
