Boy, 12, fatally shoots intruder who tried to rob his grandmother, his family say

A 12-year-old boy shot and killed a man who forcibly entered an apartment with an accomplice in North Carolina, authorities said Monday.

Goldsboro Police responded to a report of a South William Street shooting at around 12:43 a.m. Saturday. Police said two masked people broke into the apartment, demanded money, and shot one of the residents, Linda Ellis, 73, whom a family member identified as the boy’s grandmother.

The boy shot the intruders, causing them to flee, police said.

Police said they found Khalil Herring, 19, of Goldsboro, at a nearby intersection with gunshot wounds. Herring and Ellis were taken to hospital, where Herring was pronounced dead. Ellis was hospitalized with non-fatal injuries. Goldsboro is approximately 55 miles southeast of Raleigh, the state capital.

Evidence suggests Herring was one of the two intruders, police said. The second suspect has not been arrested.

A police spokesperson declined to confirm Ellis’ relationship with the boy. Ellis ‘grandniece, Chiquita Coley, told NBC affiliate WRAL of Raleigh that the boy was Ellis’ grandson. Coley and Ellis could not be reached immediately for comment on Monday.

No charges should be laid against the boy.