OLIVETTE, MO – A man is under arrest after shooting his mother dead in their Missouri residence as he mistook her for an intruder. Olivette Police Department arrested and charged Jaylen Johnson, 25, with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action following the fatal shooting of 56-year-old Monica McNichols Johnson.
The incident unfolded around 7:20 a.m. on March 7 in a home located in a St. Louis suburb. Despite rapid response and attempted life-saving steps taken by paramedics, McNichols Johnson was announced dead at the scene.
While speaking to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Johnson’s attorney, William Goldstein, revealed that Johnson believed his mother was a trespasser when she attempted to enter their home via the back door- an unusual occurrence. Johnson dialed 911 as soon as he realized his error. His girlfriend, also present at the time, tried to render first aid to the victim.
“He hasn’t stopped crying,” stated Goldstein, describing the distressed state of the young man ever since the incident.
Currently held at the St. Louis County Jail, Johnson’s bond is set at $100,000. Goldstein further informed that Johnson’s unblemished prior criminal record, adding that he kept a gun for personal security after a previous armed robbery experience.
The Olivette Police Department, while confirming there is no additional information to be provided at present, declared that the investigation is still ongoing.