An eight-year-old boy has passed away after being caught in the crossfire of a domestic abuse situation. Amir Harden‘s dad attempted to shoot his son’s mother but struck the child in the head and neck instead. The incident occurred in Minnesota on June 5, per the Star Tribune.
Amir’s mother, Cherish Edwards, survived the attempted attack.
RELATED: Pregnant Ohio Mother Accidentally Shot By Her Two-Year-Old
Dad In Fatal Minnesota Shooting Had A Record Of Abuse
The Star Tribune reported that Danair Harden, 30, suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound after striking his son. Arriving arriving at the incident scene, emergency responders transported the child to a local hospital, HCMC. Though the eight-year-old died on Sunday, June 9, his father reportedly remains in critical condition.
Harden targeted Cherish after showing up at a court hearing for a domestic violence case involving her. He had allegedly choked her in their home on May 30. Local cops arrested and jailed him over the attack, which allegedly stemmed from Cherish’s attempt to end the 10-year relationship.
The dad had put up $4,000 in bail money at the judge’s order. Note that the prosecutors reportedly requested that Judge Dannia Edwards set Danair’s bail at $10,000. Seven hours after his release at 4:15 p.m. local time, Danair killed Amir.
Cherish has raised over $12,000 after requesting $10,000 in online donations to cover “moving expenses and bills.” In the fundraiser description, she recalled what actions led to her son’s death.
“Amir tried wrestling the gun out of his father’s hand,” Cherish wrote. “I screamed for him to leave and go to the neighbors, he refused & said ‘Mommy, I’m not leaving you here.'”
The mother claims her four living children witnessed the accidental shooting and Danair’s attempt to off himself. “My kids are traumatized and probably will need therapy for the rest of their lives,” Cherish added.
At this time, it’s unclear if local police have placed Mr. Harden under custody while he’s hospitalized.
