A teenage boy in Tennessee has been killed as he tried to fight back against two home invaders.
Ja’Donte Thompson, 17, was fatally shot during a scuffle late Tuesday in Nashville.
The teen, his mother, stepfather and grandfather were all sleeping in their home when two suspects kicked in the door, demanded money, and ordered the family into the hallway.
Ja’Donte Thompson, 17, was fatally shot during a home invasion in Nashville on Tuesday
The gunmen are described as being in their late 20s to 30s. One of them wore a red beanie hat and a red jacket and smelled of alcohol, according to the victims
Ja’Donte reportedly tried to fight back against the attackers when he was shot in the chest.
He was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
His stepfather Joseph Patton, 41, was pistol-whipped by the other attacker. The two suspects then fled from the scene without taking anything.
Police said no arrests had been made by early Wednesday morning.
Ja’Donte reportedly tried to fight back against the attackers when he was shot in the chest. Pictured with his mother
‘It’s a shame. He was a great kid,’ said his great aunt, Cotina Hancock to the Tennessean. ‘To know he was trying to defend his family.’
‘He had a permanent smile,’ she said. ‘You could be in a dark place and he could light up the room.’
Metro Nashville Schools spokeswoman Michelle Michaud said in a statement that the teen attended Hillsboro High School and the district is providing grief counselors.
He was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead
‘Our thoughts go out to the community and we will support them through this process,’ the district released in a statement on Wednesday.
The gunmen are described as being in their late 20s to 30s. One of them wore a red beanie hat and a red jacket and smelled of alcohol, according to the victims.
The other attacker was masked and wore all black clothing.
His stepfather Joseph Patton, 41, was pistol-whipped by the other attacker. Pictured with his mother