Twenty-four more cases where a minor under 17 used a gun defensively

Jul 2, 2026 | Defensive Gun Use, Original Research

We have previously collected data on young people who successfully defended themselves or others with firearms, though it was for people either under age 18, teenagers, or under 21. Below are 24 cases involving children under the age of 17 who used a gun in self-defense.

As Dr. John Lott has noted, the media rarely reports these defensive gun uses. Many news outlets avoid covering such incidents because they worry that reporting them could encourage children to have access to firearms. So this list is pretty clearly missing cases. If people know of additional case, please let us know.

Defensive Gun Uses by Those Under 17 Years Old
Incident dateChild ageCity/areaStateThreat categoryDefended / defensive userThreat / attackerFirearmNotesSummaryOutcomeStatusSource outletPrimary source URLSecondary source URLNotes / evidence
2/6/22“juvenile”ColumbiaSouth CarolinaHome intrusion / attempted break-inAnother juvenile and selfIntruder allegedly breaking into apartment and shooting at juvenilesFirearm not specifiedAn intruder was fatally shot after allegedly forcing his way into an apartment and opening fire on two juveniles inside. One of the juveniles retrieved a firearm and returned fire, killing the suspect. Investigators later ruled the shooting a justified act of self-defense.Intruder killed; Authorities ruled juvenile acted in self-defenseJuvenile, age unknownWLTX; The Statehttps://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/shooting-death-ruled-justifiable-juvenile-shoots-back-intruder/101-555af968-f223-4860-826a-00c490af33b3https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article258203658.html
10/17/2215Corona (Eastvale)CaliforniaDomestic violence / family struggleFather / self / third partyAdult brother/felon allegedly shot father during struggle and aimed gun at father; father told younger son to shootHandgunAdult brother wounded and later pleaded to voluntary manslaughter; 15-year-old not chargedVerified under 17HighGun Violence Archive / MyNewsLAhttps://www.gunviolencearchive.org/incident/2440122https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/08/01/felon-who-fatally-shot-dad-during-struggle-in-victims-home-sentenced/Added after GVA review; GVA lists Kyler Jackett age 15 and MyNewsLA reports he was not charged.
11/16/2215EastpointeMichiganDomestic violence / defense of motherMotherMother’s boyfriend allegedly attacking motherGun not specified15-year-old reportedly shot mother’s boyfriend during an alleged attack; police said some element of self-defense was involved.Adult male killed; juvenile released after hearingVerified under 17Concealed Nation / Fox 2 Detroithttps://concealednation.org/2022/11/15-year-old-shoots-and-kills-mothers-boyfriend-in-possible-self-defense-police/https://www.fox2detroit.com/Needs local police/court follow-up for final disposition.
1/10/2316MontvilleOhioHome intrusion / attempted break-inSelfHome intruder allegedly entering residenceHandgunNo shots fired; The teen retrieved his mother’s handgun and pointed it at the intruder, causing the suspect to flee. A 16-year-old Ohio teen was home alone when a man entered his family’s house through an unlocked door. The teen retrieved his mother’s handgun and pointed it at the intruder, causing the suspect to flee. Police later identified and charged the man with burglary.No shots fired; Teen pointed firearm; Intruder fled and was later arrestedVerified under 17Cleveland19; FOX 8https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/01/17/geauga-county-teen-thwarts-burglary-by-pointing-moms-gun-home-intruder/https://fox8.com/news/teen-thwarts-geauga-county-break-in-with-mothers-handgun/
2/14/2315StroudOklahomaDomestic violenceSelfFather threatening son with knifeRifleThe first-degree murder charge was dropped after officials couldn’t disprove his claim of self-defense.A 15-year-old boy grabbed a rifle and shot his father twice after his father chased him into a bedroom while armed with a knife.Father fatally shot; The first-degree murder charge was dropped after officials couldn’t disprove his claim of self-defenseVerified under 17KSRO; KTUL; ABC News; KOKH FOX 25 Newshttps://www.ksro.com/2024/09/13/teen-arrested-in-mothers-stabbing-death-19-months-after-fatally-shooting-father/https://ktul.com/news/local/teen-to-be-tried-as-an-adult-in-mothers-murder-previously-arrested-in-fathers-death-collin-griffith-teenager-mother-father-death-first-degree-murder-charge-self-defense-claim-oklahoma-lincoln-county-polk-county-law-enforcement-https://abcnews.com/US/teen-arrested-mother-stabbing-year-after-fatally-shooting-father/story?id=113640100https://okcfox.com/news/local/oklahoma-teen-once-charged-in-fathers-death-now-accused-of-killing-mother-in-florida-polk-county-lincoln-county-charges-dropped-self-defense-father-knife-gun-shooting-argument-video-game-beating-mother-witnesses-investigation-parents-death
6/18/2314ChicagoIllinoisAssaultMotherA man allegedly physically assaulting a woman during an argumentHandgunAll charges against both the mother and her 14-year-old son were dropped.The aggressor was shot and killed outside a Chicago restaurant after physically assaulting a woman during an argument. The woman’s 14-year-old son retrieved a handgun and shot the aggressor, claiming he acted to protect his mother. The mother and her son were initially charged with murder, but all charges were later dropped after prosecutors concluded that the evidence supported self-defense and defense of another.The aggressor fatally shot; All charges were later droppedVerified under 17CBS News; FOX 32 Chicagohttps://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/charges-dropped-carlishia-hood-son-murder-jeremy-brown/https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/charges-dropped-mother-son-chicago-restaurant-shooting
9/8/2313PhoenixArizonaHome intrusion / attempted break-inFamily / home occupantsJuan Saavedra allegedly trying to enter family homeHandgunCourt documents reported boy took gun from mother and fired toward defendant in fear for family safety.Suspect shot in abdomen and arm; arrested; family unharmedVerified under 17FOX 10 Phoenix / USA Carry / RedStatehttps://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/phoenix-home-intruder-shot-by-teenage-boy-police-sayhttps://www.usacarry.com/13-year-old-boy-takes-moms-gun-to-halt-meth-driven-intruder/Verified age 13; criminal case follow-up may refine outcome.
12/22/2314MercedesTexasDomestic violenceMotherStepfather allegedly threatening teen’s mother during domestic disputeFirearm not specifiedA 14-year-old boy fatally shot his 38-year-old stepfather during a domestic dispute at the family’s home. The teen told investigators that he fired because he believed his stepfather was about to assault his mother.Stepfather fatally shotVerified under 17KRGVhttps://www.krgv.com/news/sheriff-s-office-mercedes-teen-accused-of-killing-stepfather-following-domestic-dispute-/
2/15/2414HoustonTexasHome intrusion / attempted break-inSelfPossible home intruder allegedly attempting to enter residence while teen was aloneHandgunA 14-year-old boy who was home alone shot and killed a man who was allegedly trying to enter the family’s home after reportedly knocking on doors and pulling on doorknobs throughout the neighborhood. Investigators said the teen became alarmed when the man approached the residence and fired multiple shots.Alleged intruder fatally shotVerified under 17ABC13https://abc13.com/14-year-old-boy-shoots-possible-home-intruder-man-shot-and-killed-east-harris-county-brownsville-street-shooting-homeless-knocking-on-doors/14428279/
3/13/2411CharlotteNorth CarolinaDomestic violenceMotherA hotel room intruder allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman during a domestic violence incident.Firearm not specifiedA man allegedly broke into a hotel room and attacked a pregnant woman during a domestic violence incident. The woman’s 11-year-old son reportedly shot and injured the suspect in defense of his mother.A man shot by a juvenile and seriously injured; The juvenile is not facing any chargesVerified under 17Queen City News; WBTVhttps://www.qcnews.com/charlotte/pregnant-woman-assaulted-at-west-charlotte-hotel-pd/https://www.wbtv.com/2024/03/14/medic-1-hurt-shooting-southwest-charlotte-motel/
3/20/2415Rock CaveWest VirginiaDomestic violenceMother and selfFather allegedly shooting at mother and threatening son with shotgunShotgunA 15-year-old boy fatally shot his father after the father allegedly fired a shotgun at the boy’s mother during a domestic dispute and then pointed the weapon at the teen. State police said the boy acted after retreating upstairs and being confronted by his armed father.Father fatally shotVerified under 17CBS Newshttps://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/west-virginia-boy-self-defense-shooting-father-mother/
6/4/2415EdwardsMissouriDomestic violenceMotherFather allegedly physically assaulting motherFirearm not specifiedA 15-year-old boy fatally shot his father during a domestic violence incident after the father allegedly assaulted the boy’s mother. Investigators said evidence, including the mother’s injuries and witness statements, supported that the teen acted to protect his mother, and authorities indicated the shooting appeared consistent with self-defense or defense of another.Father fatally shotVerified under 17USA Carry; OzarksFirsthttps://www.usacarry.com/15-year-old-shoots-father-in-defense-of-mother-during-domestic-assault-in-missouri/https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/local-news/benton-county-authorities-investigating-shooting-death/
7/1/2410IndianapolisIndianaDomestic violenceMotherAn altercation occurred between the 10-year-old’s mother and his stepfatherHandgunThe stepfather denied being the aggressor. No criminal charges were reported.During a domestic altercation between a 10-year-old’s stepfather and the child’s mother, the child obtained the stepfather’s handgun and shot him once. The child stated that he acted in defense of his mother, fearing the stepfather would harm her, while the stepfather denied being the aggressor. No criminal charges were reported.Stepfather injuriedVerified under 17USA Carryhttps://www.usacarry.com/rapper-lil-durks-10-year-old-son-shoots-stepfather-during-domestic-dispute/
7/17/24“juvenile”LillianTexasDomestic violenceMotherStepfather allegedly assaulting the mother during domestic disputeHandgunA juvenile fatally shot his 48-year-old stepfather after allegedly witnessing him assault the boy’s mother. According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the juvenile told investigators he fired to stop the ongoing attack.Stepfather fatally shotJuvenile, age unknownMy Texas Daily; WFAAhttps://www.mytexasdaily.com/north-texas/juvenile-shoots-and-kills-father-to-protect-mother-from-further-assault-police-say/article_87f345d9-94df-5a73-abab-6c8c07a2086f.htmlhttps://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/lillian-texas-texas-fatal-shooting/287-6e5924fe-a3e4-43ec-99b1-d3246700ba7a
8/13/24“minor”Cape CoralFloridaDomestic violenceUncle / family memberMother’s boyfriend allegedly attacking family members during domestic violence incidentFirearm not specifiedA minor fatally shot his mother’s boyfriend after witnessing the man allegedly beat the teen’s uncle with a wooden rod while wearing brass knuckles during a domestic dispute. Investigators determined the teen acted to protect his uncle and mother from serious bodily injury or death, ruled the shooting self-defense, and announced that no charges would be filed.Mother’s boyfriend killed; Authorities ruled juvenile acted in self-defenseMinor, age unknownCape Coral Policehttps://capecops.com/2024/08/15/shooting-incident-ruled-self-defense/
9/15/24“Teen 12–17”University City / St. Louis CountyMissouriArmed robbery / parking lot shootoutVictim / possible teen victimArmed robbers attempted to rob group; one victim grabbed robber’s gun and firedUnknownOne adult bystander/mother killed by suspects’ gunfire; one suspect paralyzed; suspects chargedProvisional – teen 12-17, shooter age not confirmedLow-mediumGun Violence Archive / FOX2 St. Louishttps://www.gunviolencearchive.org/incident/3026465https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/pair-charged-in-university-city-fatal-shooting/Added as a lead from GVA review, not counted as verified under-17 until exact shooter age is confirmed; GVA teen band includes age 17.
2/15/2514ManchesterKentuckyHome invasion / burglary of gunsHome residentTwo men inside home reportedly holding firearms/trying to steal guns from safeHandgunKSP said juvenile discovered two men inside holding firearms, retrieved a handgun, shot both, and escaped.Two adult intruders killed; officials described juvenile as acting in self-defenseVerified under 17Kentucky State Police / NBC News / CPRChttps://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/news/p11-2-16-2025https://crimeresearch.org/2025/02/news-headline-child-shoots-kills-2-home-intruders-in-self-defense-police-say/Deduplicated prior two Manchester rows into one incident; KSP incident date/time used.
9/15/2516Middleburg / Clay CountyFloridaHome invasion / random armed attackSelf/familyMauricio Vasco Lopez (45yo armed intruder; random attack after car breakdown)Shotgun16-year-old boy grabbed shotgun from his mother (Samantha Cicone, who was shot and killed by the intruder) and fatally shot the gunman who had forced entry and randomly shot multiple family members. Sheriff’s office confirmed the teen acted in fear for his and family’s lives; no connection between victims and attacker.Intruder killed; mother killed; other residents wounded; 16yo and 11yo sibling unharmed. No charges against defender.Verified under 17WCJB / Clay County Sheriff / Miami Herald / Action News Jaxhttps://www.wcjb.com/2025/09/18/16-year-old-kills-gunman-deadly-clay-county-home-invasion/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article312159395.html**New case – added 2026-06-09**. Multiple local news + official sheriff statements corroborate age, defensive framing, and outcome; teen hailed as hero and later received bravery award.
12/29/25“teenage”YemasseeSouth CarolinaDomestic violenceMotherMother’s boyfriend allegedly assaulting the mother during a domestic violence incidentFirearm not specifiedNo other sources identify the shooter as a teenager.A teenage boy shot his mother’s boyfriend in the throat while the man was allegedly assaulting his mother during a domestic violence incident. After being wounded, the suspect fled with his two children but was later located and arrested on first-degree domestic violence chargesMother’s boyfriend injuriedTeenage, age unknownUSA Carryhttps://www.usacarry.com/teen-shoots-mothers-boyfriend-in-throat-during-assault-before-suspect-flees-with-children/
3/5/2611PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaDomestic violenceMotherMother’s boyfriend allegedly physically attacking the child’s mother during a domestic disputeHandgunAn 11-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed his mother’s boyfriend after witnessing the man physically assault his mother during an argument that escalated into violence inside the home.Mother’s boyfriend killedVerified under 17NBC Philadelphiahttps://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-shot-killed-by-girlfriends-family-member-during-argument-police-say/4364168/
4/3/26“juvenile”OwensboroKentuckyDomestic violenceMotherA man allegedly physically assaulting the juvenile’s motherFirearm not specifiedA juvenile fatally shot an adult man during a domestic violence incident after allegedly witnessing the man physically assault his mother inside their home. Police said the youth retrieved a firearm and shot the man out of fear for his mother’s life.A man fatally shotJuvenile, age unknownOwensboro.org; 14 Newshttps://owensboro.org/news_detail_T3_R318.php?&setDept=police&fbclid=IwY2xjawQ9XPpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLQ2xnVXI5eWRZTmNUS3B5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHo4y3UvQcWIKu4IoZgl-4FnSmA8bX7eTulX86v_WfvTARYbNuQWoJd_Yj_H8_aem_ggai4AN0K7ehXhIifl0W1Qhttps://www.14news.com/2026/04/04/opd-1-dead-shooting-juvenile-custody/
4/11/2616Natomas / SacramentoCaliforniaRobbery attempt / assault (school campus)SelfTwo 16-year-old non-students (one armed with loaded .45 handgun) attempting targeted robberyHandgun (defender’s)16-year-old Natomas High School student shot and killed the armed robber during an attempted robbery on campus immediately after dismissal. Surveillance video, eyewitnesses, and forensics confirmed the defender acted in self-defense; accomplice charged with attempted robbery.Robber (De’Jon Sledge, 16) killed; defender faced no homicide charges (though juvenile weapons charges possible due to school rules).Verified under 17Sacramento County DA / CapRadio / KCRA / ABC10https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/04/14/da-calls-natomas-high-shooting-self-defense-declines-charges/https://www.kcra.com/article/sacramento-da-no-homicide-charges-natomas-high-school-shooting/71018797**New case – added 2026-06-09**. DA explicitly ruled self-defense after full review of video/witnesses/forensics.
4/30/26“juvenile”BeniciaCaliforniaDomestic violenceSelf/familyAdult male family member allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident and threatening household membersFirearm not specifiedA juvenile fatally shot a family member during a domestic violence incident inside their home. Police stated that the initial report indicated the firearm was discharged in self-defense, and no arrests were immediately announced.An adult male family member fatally shotJuvenile, age unknownTimes-Heraldhttps://www.timesheraldonline.com/2026/05/04/benicia-police-say-juvenile-fatally-shot-family-member-in-self-defense/
5/31/2616TulsaOklahomaDomestic violenceMother and selfFather allegedly attacking mother and sonFirearm not specifiedA 16-year-old Tulsa teen fatally shot his father after the man allegedly attacked him and then began assaulting the teen’s mother inside their apartment. Family members told police the father was the aggressor, and authorities released the teen after questioning while the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office reviews whether the shooting was a justified act of self-defense.Father fatally shotVerified under 17KTULhttps://ktul.com/news/local/father-shot-killed-after-family-says-he-attacked-them-06-02-2026

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