An 11-year-old boy from North Carolina has been charged with manslaughter and other offenses after allegedly shooting and killing a young girl that his mother was babysitting. The tragic incident occurred on July 25th, prompting a response from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was identified as 8-year-old Jenesis Dockery. She was taken to a local medical center but succumbed to her injuries two days later. The boy’s identity remains undisclosed. He has been detained by the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) following his official charges.
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Jenesis and her sister were dropped off at their babysitter’s residence on Mercedes Drive. It was there that the son of the babysitter gained access to a firearm and allegedly shot the eight-year-old girl in the head. The department’s Special Victims Unit detectives filed a complaint with the DJJ, resulting in the boy being charged with manslaughter and two counts of larceny of a firearm.
During a press conference, the Dockery family’s attorney, Harry Daniels, revealed that the 11-year-old boy is believed to have stolen two guns. One of the guns was from a family member’s safe and another from inside the babysitter’s home. Jenesis’ father, Fon Dockery, expressed his grief and frustration over the incident. He emphasized the need for justice and gun violence awareness, urging the community to support their family until justice is served.
Fon Dockery shared his memories of his daughter, describing her as a joyful and energetic child who found joy in even the smallest things in life. He acknowledged the difficulty of moving forward without her but expressed the family’s determination to adapt and heal. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Dockery family during this challenging time, as they navigate the aftermath of their daughter’s tragic passing.