FLINT -- ***Update Feb. 27, 2013***
The Genesee County Prosecutor has ruled that a father’s actions were legally justified when he shot and killed his 17-year-old son on Feb. 3.
Police were dispatched to the family’s home in Clayton Township after the 64-year-old father shot his son during an argument between the man’s son and his wife and daughter.
Prosecutor David Leyton said the father was in his bedroom when he heard the dispute. The father came out to find his son punching his mother and sister. The father shot his son with a .45-caliber handgun. The son was taken to Hurley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“This was a very sad and tragic situation but based on all the evidence, I have determined that the father was legally justified in using deadly force against his son in defense of his wife and daughter,” Leyton said in a press release.
“It’s just a very sad situation all around and my heart goes out to the family,” he added.
The 17-year-old had a lengthy juvenile court history that included violent confrontations with family members.
***End Update***
(Orginally published Feb. 4, 2013)
Almost an hour ago the Genesee County Prosecutor contacted the jail for the release of the teenager’s father until police can investigate further. We are not releasing his name or photo because no official charges have been filed. The shooting happened on Plainview Drive around 1 PM.
Police say the 17-year-old boy was punching and shoving his mother and sister when his father shot and killed him.
Clayton Township Police Chief Scott Pavlik says the 64-year-old father heard the fight and left his bedroom with a .45 caliber handgun and shot his son in the stomach.
Today, police met with prosecutors, shortly after announcing the father can be released. Neighbors along Plainview Drive recall seeing the teenager just a few days before being killed.
"It's very quiet neighborhood, this is very shocking, it's very sad. Like i said we used to see the young man walk through the neighborhood all the time. He was to himself most of the time,” said neighbor Eric Maynard.
For now, the father released free of any charges we will continue to have more on the story as it develops.
