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PHILADELPHIA, PA – Police say an 11-year-old boy shot and killed his mother’s boyfriend after the man allegedly assaulted the boy’s mother inside their home late at night.

According to investigators, the incident happened around 11 p.m. on Peach Street. Police say 30-year-old Jamir Jones Walker had gone inside his girlfriend’s house when the two became involved in an altercation.

Authorities say the argument was initially verbal but may have turned physical. The woman later told investigators that Walker was assaulting her inside a back bedroom of the home.

During the incident, police say the woman’s 11-year-old son grabbed her firearm and fired a single shot. The round struck Walker, who died as a result.

Neighbors in the area reported hearing the argument followed by a single gunshot.

One neighbor said they heard a commotion and fighting before hearing what sounded like one shot.

Another neighbor told reporters they had heard the couple arguing in the past.

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Domestic violence advocates say situations like this are unfortunately common. Representatives from Women Against Abuse noted that domestic violence affects many families and can have a serious impact on children who witness it.

Authorities say both the mother and the 11-year-old are cooperating with investigators. Police have not announced any charges at this time.

While the circumstances remain under investigation, the case highlights the serious and sometimes unpredictable nature of violent domestic confrontations inside the home.

For many Americans, the right to keep and bear arms exists in part because individuals may be forced to protect themselves or loved ones when faced with immediate danger. The Second Amendment recognizes the fundamental right of law-abiding citizens to possess firearms, including within the home, where people are most vulnerable to violent crime.