The attorney for a former college football player accused of killing his own mother claims his client mistook her for a home intruder.
Jaylen Johnson, 25, was charged with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action following the death of his mother, Monica McNichols-Johnson last Thursday (March 7), his attorney, William Goldstein, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sunday (March 10). Johnson reportedly believed his mother was an intruder attempting to enter the Olivette, Missouri, home they shared through the back door at around 7:30 a.m.
Goldstein said Jaylen immediately called 911 after shooting his mother and has been distraught ever since the incident took place.
“He hasn’t stopped crying,” Goldstein said via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Police said Monica was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempted life-saving efforts by her son's girlfriend. Jaylen is currently being held at St. Louis County Jail on a $100,000 bond, according to an update shared by the Olivette Police Department on its Facebook account last Thursday.
"Although charges have been issued, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. The city of Olivette is saddened by this tragic incident and offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones of Monica Johnson-McNichols."
Johnson is a former college football player, though no media outlet specified which college he attended, and has no criminal history. The 25-year-old was reported to have kept a gun for protection after previously being the victim of an armed robbery.
Rob Parker: Why I Hope Jake Paul Knocks Out Mike Tyson Like Nate Robinson
Jason Whitlock Calls Out 'Deranged' Charles Barkley After Anti-Trump Threat
Andy Reid Discusses Controversial Super Bowl LVIII Shove By Travis Kelce
Colin Cowherd Reveals the Best Landing Spots for NFL Rookie Quarterbacks
Mike Tyson, 57, Set to Fight 27-Year-Old Jake Paul
Colin Cowherd Predicts #9 Seed Warriors to Reach Western Conference Finals
BALCO Founder Says There's 'Reason To Be Suspicious' on LeBron Using PEDs
AEW Star Was Suspended After In-Ring Incident With Injured Opponent: Report
New York Giants Are Reportedly 'Absolutely Done' With Daniel Jones