Only on 4: Mother of teen who was shot while sleeping shares story

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) -A St. Louis mother is sharing the terrifying moments after her 13-year-old son was shot while sleeping.

Talonda White told First Alert 4, “Whatever reason they decided to shoot, now I have a 13-year-old kid in the ICU.”

She is spending every second she can at her son, JaVoni Ball’s side as he recovers. He was shot while inside their apartment on Goodfellow Place Monday night.

White said her son attends North Side Community Charter School, and he had just received an award there earlier that day.

“He’s a respectful kid. He’s a straight-A student, like he’s just, he’s an all-around good kid,” White said.

White said Monday night shortly after 11 p.m., her family was sleeping peacefully and she woke up to a terrifying incident.

“Once I came out, he was laying on the floor like Mommy, I got shot. You know, so I immediately dialed 911,” White said.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), the gunshots were fired from outside the home. Bell was taken to the hospital, where his mom said he was in critical but stable condition.

“He’s up, he’s talking, he’s jumping, he’s ready to get out of the bed, but unfortunately, he can’t,” White said.

“No family should have to endure such pain. We are fully committed to seeking justice for this 13-year-old,” Mitch McCoy, Director of Public Affairs and Information with SLMPD said.

Police are now asking the community for help solving this shooting.

“We need our entire community to come together, especially when the victims are innocent. They do not deserve to be victims to gunfire. They’re young. They have a whole life ahead of them,” McCoy said.

White is asking for the same, she is hoping someone will come forward with information leading to justice for her family.

“Just do the right thing. If you know something, please tell like help him out,” White said.

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