An 11-year-old boy, Aderrien Murry, who was shot by a police officer after calling for help, has been discharged from the hospital, according to his family.
The incident occurred in Mississippi when police responded to a domestic disturbance call placed by the boy. His mother reported that the officer, Greg Capers of the Indianola Police Department, shot him in the chest. Aderrien was left bewildered, asking his mother, “What did I do?” after being shot.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is under investigation. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe into the incident.
Nakala Murry, the boy’s mother, is calling for the officer to be fired and charged. Aderrien was rushed to the hospital with a collapsed lung and other injuries but was released on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference outside Indianola City Hall, Ms. Murry recounted the events of the incident. She explained that she had asked Aderrien to call the police due to concerns about the behavior of her child’s father, who had become agitated. When the officer arrived, Ms. Murry stated that he had his gun drawn. He instructed everyone inside the house to exit, and as Aderrien turned the corner in the hallway, the officer opened fire, hitting him in the chest.
Ms. Murry expressed her frustration and stated, “This cannot keep happening. This is not OK.” She recounted how she applied pressure to her son’s wound while the officer also assisted until medical personnel arrived.
Aderrien was immediately taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he received medical treatment for a collapsed lung, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver caused by the gunshot.
Ms. Murry, along with the family’s lawyer, Carlos Moore, are demanding swift action and justice. Mr. Moore criticized the paid administrative leave given to the officer and urged officials to take immediate action. He also requested the release of body-camera footage, but the police denied the request, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Indianola Police Department declined to comment on the case when approached by the BBC. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation stated that they are assessing the incident and gathering evidence. Following the investigation, the findings will be submitted to the state attorney general’s office.
