VALDOSTA, Ga. — The mother of a 10-year-old boy shot in the face by a 9-year-old in September reports she has not been informed of a court date in the case. Marshania English, the mother of the shot boy, Javion, also notes that the mother of the child involved in the shooting continues to reside a short distance from her.
Javion was shot on Monday, Sept. 7, at Brittany Woods Apartments, according to the Valdosta Police Department. Police stated that Javion and a 9-year-old were handling a gun when it discharged.
Since the incident, Javion has returned home, though he is not yet back to school full-time or participating in his usual activities, English explained. "For the first few days, you know, it was very emotional. It was a lot going on," English said. "And now that we’re home and he’s just not going back to school, he had his days with his ups and downs."
English now observes her son more closely, stating she has to pay "a lot more attention to him." Javion is back in school, but is not currently involved in physical education activities.
Detectives with the Valdosta Police Department obtained arrest warrants on Sept. 9 for Andrea McClendon, 46, who is the mother of the 9-year-old and the owner of the firearm. McClendon faces charges of second-degree cruelty to children and reckless conduct. Police reported that McClendon surrendered at the Lowndes County Jail on Sept. 14.
Through the Department of Juvenile Justice, detectives also charged the 9-year-old with reckless conduct and possession of a firearm by a minor.
English expressed her distress over McClendon's continued proximity, living just a few houses away. "I think that’s my biggest thing, because she still lives down from me, a couple houses down from me," English said. "You know, I see them every day, which I don’t allow J.B. on to come outside, only when I’m outside. But when I’m out the door, I see them, and it’s just, I get angry."
English conveyed a strong sense that justice has not been served. "I feel like my son has been shot, and no justice has been served," she remarked. "Like, they’re still able to go out, grocery shop, and still live their life. But my son is here, having to tell people, oh, what happened to his teeth, or the mark on his neck. And I don’t think it’s right, to be honest. I really don’t."
When asked about his adjustment, Javion responded, "Good." He described sitting outside as a peaceful experience, explaining, "It’s really peaceful, because I really just sit down."
Javion recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, stating the other boy asked if he wanted to see his mother’s gun. Javion said he agreed, but told the boy, "just don’t point it at me. Turn that gun. I don’t want no bullets at me." He added, "He did the opposite. Then pointed at me and put bullets in it. Then he cocked it back. Then he locked the door." Javion indicated he tried to push the gun away before it went off. "Then I ran. Then I pushed the gun down to try to take it. He pointed it at me, and I really didn’t know. I locked the door. And then I stayed in there for some minutes," Javion said. "Then it got quiet. So I went to the door... And then I got shot."
Javion emphasized his mother's importance to him, saying, "A hundred percent. Important to me."
English shared her profound feeling of being overwhelmed by what her son now endures. "I’m overwhelmed. I really am. I’m overwhelmed," she reiterated. "You know, because now he has to start therapy. And it’s just something that he has to deal with for the rest of his life."
English stated that she would find more peace if either her family or the other family moved. She expressed a belief that the legal system had failed her, particularly after McClendon's quick release from custody. English confirmed, "To be honest, I haven’t heard anything about a court date or anything like that."
To assist with Javion’s ongoing dental expenses, including cosmetic work and veneers, a GoFundMe campaign has been established, English noted. "People can support our GoFundMe so that Javion can get his teeth fixed," she urged.
