LOS ANGELES, CA – In a tragic turn of events in south Fort Worth, a woman fatally shot a 14-year-old boy, believing she was defending her family from an intruder. Aleah Wallace, a 25-year-old mother of four, was at her home in the Peppertree Acres Apartments when she perceived a threat to her children’s safety.
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 14. Wallace, along with her daughters, reported a prowler outside her duplex. Despite police responding to her call, the suspected prowler had disappeared. However, the situation escalated when Wallace called the police again, reporting the individual’s return and an attempted break-in.
Upon the officers’ arrival, they discovered Devin Baker, a 14-year-old boy and eighth-grade student at Rosemont Middle School, lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound. Baker, who also resided in the Peppertree Acres Apartments, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
Wallace, in an interview with KDFW-TV, expressed her devastation upon learning of the boy’s age. She stated that her only thought at the moment was the safety of her children. “I didn’t know he was 14 when he was on the other side of that window,” Wallace said. “All I knew was that somebody could come in and hurt me or my kids.”
The Fort Worth Police Department is still investigating the incident; no charges have been filed against Wallace. The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury upon completion of the investigation.
The victim’s family is grappling with the loss of Devin, described by his mother, Latoiya Landers, as a fun-loving boy with aspirations of starting a clothing line. He was also looking forward to joining the basketball team, having recently completed his physical examination.
This incident has sparked a complex debate over self-defense and the tragic consequences of such actions. Wallace, who had previously experienced break-ins at her residence, had obtained a firearm for protection. This decision, made in the interest of her family’s safety, has now led to unforeseen and heartbreaking consequences.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Wallace is now facing eviction from her duplex for possessing a gun, as reported by KDFW. She has been given 30 days to vacate the premises, leaving her concerned about finding new housing.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between self-defense and the unintended outcomes that can arise. As the community mourns the loss of a young life and a family faces an uncertain future, questions about safety, security, and the consequences of protective actions remain at the forefront of this tragic event.