A woman was killed by police Sunday after she allegedly stabbed her teenage son to death during a dispute at a Paulding County apartment complex, officials said.
After the Paulding 911 center received a call for help at the Columns at Hiram Apartments on Bill Carruth Parkway near U.S. 278, Hiram police arrived just before 1:15 p.m. and found the teen lying in the road at the complex.
Responding officers then noticed a woman nearby with bloody clothing who was holding a knife, the GBI said. According to police, she had just stabbed him before being confronted.
The officers told the woman to stop as she charged at them, the GBI said. The officers then used their Tasers but they didn’t work, according to officials.
“Both officers on scene gave verbal commands, but the woman continued to charge the officer with a knife and eventually stabbed herself with the knife,” the GBI said. “One officer fired multiple times at the woman holding the knife.”
Police said the teen died at the scene from his stab wounds, while his mother was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
On Wednesday, they were identified by the GBI and Paulding County coroner as 38-year-old Daniele Latrice McDowell and 17-year-old Khalil Malique Wigfall. Both are from Hiram.
Wigfall was a student at Hiram High School. Principal Darius Hodge sent a statement to parents about the “devastating news,” adding that counselors and support staff were available Wednesday to those in need.
“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Khalil Wigfall family and friends during this unimaginable painful time,” the statement added. “Together, we will honor the memory of Khalil and ensure that our students receive the support they need.”
Officials said no officers were injured during the incident. The GBI was requested to investigate by the Paulding sheriff’s office and Hiram police. No other details were provided by authorities.
It was the 13th officer-involved shooting the state agency has been asked to investigate in 2024. At this point last year, the GBI had opened investigations into 11 officer-involved shootings.
Anyone who saw what led to the incident is asked to contact Hiram police at 706-624-1424.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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