12-Year-Old Who Claimed Intruder Killed His Mom Admits To Accidentally Shooting Her

A 12-year-old boy from Alabama who initially fabricated a story about his mother's death admitted to accidentally shooting her, officials said.

The victim, identified as 29-year-old Ayobiyi Cook, was found dead at her home in Forestdale on Aug. 6 after deputies responded to a 911 call for help.

Cook's unidentified son initially told the investigators that a man fled the home after shooting his mother. However, the police later determined that it was "not possible" as there were no signs of forced entry into the residence, NBC News reported.

As cops continued the investigation and questioned the boy, the child later admitted to unintentionally discharged the weapon and fatally shooting his mother.

"After investigation, Sheriff's Detectives were able to determine that the victim's 12-year-old son unintentionally discharged a firearm striking his mother and causing her death. The child originally fabricated a story that detectives determined was not possible. The child eventually gave a true account of what happened," the Sheriff's office said in an updated news release Monday.

Based on the evidence found at the scene, investigators believe the shooting was accidental, reports said. The Sheriff's office, however, did not share any additional details regarding the investigation.

The family has reportedly been cooperating with the investigation and the incident will be addressed through the Family Court system. "This offense is a tragedy for the Cook family and the entire community," the news release read.

At least 169 unintentional shootings by children have occurred in 2022 alone, causing 74 deaths and 104 injuries nationally, according to a report by Everytown for Gun Safety.

Last month, a 5-year-old boy fatally shot his 8-year-old brother at their home in Arkansas. The death is believed to be "accidental." The children's mother and four other siblings were at home when the tragic incident occurred. The mother, who was reportedly sleeping at the time, woke up and found the boy unresponsive on the floor. The deputies retrieved several guns from the residence and were investigating if there was neglect involved in how the weapons were kept in the house.