A 10-year-old boy from Alabama is recovering from injuries received his mom was killed by her boyfriend in a murder-suicide. Reports indicated the boy was “seriously wounded” while trying to protect his mom from her boyfriend during the attack.
According to People, police in Sheffield, Alabama, identified 38-year-old Ashley Lynn McClung as the victim of a fatal shooting that took place October 29.
Her boyfriend was identified as 40-year-old Christopher Narmore, who police say died by suicide, the magazine reported, citing details confirmed by Chief Ricky Terry of the Sheffield Police Department.
Ashley’s 10-year-old son was also present during an argument that 'escalated' that evening, and he was 'seriously wounded.'
During the altercation, Ashley’s son, identified as 10-year-old Cayson McClung, tried to protect her and was shot in the face and arm, WAFF reported.
“The boyfriend had a gun and tried to shoot the mother and [Cayson] got into a tussle with the boyfriend,” Terry told People.
'He raised his arm up and that’s when the boyfriend shot the juvenile, then he shot the mother, then he killed himself,' police said.
Cayson “was awake and talking to officers” before he was taken to a local hospital, per WAFF. He was later flown to U.A.B Children’s Hospital, where he was rushed into surgery.
“A Sheffield police officer said the boy may lose his hand due to his injuries,” the news outlet reported.
Thankfully, an update noted that the 10-year-old is in stable condition following two surgeries.
“Doctors were able to save his arm,” Terry said via People. “They got a lot of the lead out of his face from the shotgun injury.”
New Bethel Elementary School, where Cayson attended, shared details and condolences in a Facebook post. "New Bethel Elementary is truly a family, and our family is hurting today,” the post read.
“Our school and community are pouring out prayers for all of those hurting today and rallying to provide support for Cayson. We love Cayson and look forward to his return to New Bethel and will continue to pray until that day comes.”
Family and friends created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help make arrangements following this unexpected tragedy.
“Due to her unexpected passing and her son’s injury, we decided to create this to assist her family with the costs of the funeral and burial so they can focus on honoring her memory, as well as with medical expenses for the brave boy who was injured while protecting his mother,” the GoFundMe page shared.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women's shelter (domesticshelters.org).
