Sharelle Johnson, the mother of an 11-year-old boy accused of shooting two teenagers at a Pop Warner football practice, is expected to make a plea today, following the grave incident that unfolded nearly two years ago in Apopka, Florida. Johnson, 35, is facing a charge of culpable negligence for allegedly leaving a loaded firearm within easy reach of a minor. According to ClickOrlando, surveillance video captured the chilling event where Johnson's son can be seen retrieving a gun from his mother's car and subsequently opening fire on the individuals pursuing him.
The incident dates back to October 2023, when, during a seemingly normal football practice near the Northwest Recreation Complex, a confrontation over something as mundane as a bag of chips escalated into a violent encounter. Investigation revealed that the firearm was stored in a "worn and tattered" cardboard box that lacked any safety locks, making it all too simple for the then 11-year-old to access the weapon. FOX 35 Orlando reported that after the shooting, the young boy was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder. The case took a turn in January 2024 when a judge ruled that he was incompetent to stand trial.
With her plea hearing scheduled for 10 a.m., the community is awaiting the outcome of a case that has left an indelible mark on the town.
