15-year-old charged with 2nd degree murder after trying to defend mom
SPOTSYLVANIA, VA (WWBT) - A 15-year-old was charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony after police said he shot his mother's boyfriend on Wednesday.
Deputies found the body of John Conroy Jr., 37, in the front of the residence in the 5300 block of Towles Mill Road after responding to a shooting incident at 3:45 p.m.
"Probably about 15 cop cars. Investigators passed us," said Christopher Jackson, who was on his way home when he saw the commotion. He then followed the stream of cars to his neighbor's house. "The whole yard was full of cops, guns. I knew something serious was going on," he said.
The sheriff's office said that hours earlier Conroy and his 36-year-old girlfriend were involved in an argument. Detectives said that Conroy began physically attacking her in the presence of her juvenile son, who is not related to Conroy.
Detectives said that the woman's son, attempting to intervene, took a semiautomatic firearm from a nearby location in the room and fired several shots at Conroy, striking him multiple times. The teenage boy reportedly told Spotsylvania investigators he was trying to protect his mom.
A woman, who only identified herself as a family member, said this was a "tragic situation," and asked for "privacy to allow us to grieve," calling this a very loving family.
"Have you and your guys been to this home for previous calls?" we asked. "At this point, I would have to say I do not believe so," said Captain Pearce. The sheriff's office doesn't believe the residents had a history of violence.
"The investigation is still in the early stages and is ongoing," said Sheriff Roger L. Harris. "A myriad of evidentiary items, statements, interviews and further investigative assignments are underway."
"In the Commonwealth of Virginia, every homicide is initially considered second-degree murder on its face. Every homicide," stressed Captain Pearce. Those charges can be upgraded, lessened or even d ropped.
However, neighbors said regardless if there are charges or not, it's a sad situation for everyone involved. "That teenager has to live with that for the rest of his life, just a tragedy," said Theodore Johnson.
The Commonwealth's Attorney's office said the 15-year-old is due back in court on March 30 for a preliminary hearing.
He's currently held at the Rappahannock Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
If you have information about this case, call Crime Solvers at 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822.
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