A mother in Washington D.C. turned her 12-year-old son into the police after seeing his image being shared as a person of interest in a fatal attempted carjacking. The incident occurred over the weekend, and the other child involved, a 13-year-old named Vernard Toney Jr., was shot and killed by the targeted driver. Vernard was described as a smart and talented student who had a natural comedic ability and loved playing basketball.
The 12-year-old suspect was arrested the day before a juvenile court proceeding held on Wednesday afternoon. The mother had called the police after recognizing her son in the suspect photo shared by the D.C. police. The police used evidence found in the 12-year-old’s room, including clothing matching the suspect’s attire, to connect him to the carjacking incident.
According to surveillance video, the two kids approached the off-duty federal security officer’s vehicle from behind. The 13-year-old opened the passenger-side door and entered the vehicle, while the 12-year-old walked around the front and opened the driver-side door, allegedly threatening the officer to get out of the car.
During the court proceeding, it was revealed that the 12-year-old has a history of serious behavioral issues, including anger problems since the age of 5 and smoking marijuana since the age of 11. He also made a comment after his arrest, suggesting that he hangs around negative peers and knows where to obtain a gun.
The judge expressed concern about the 12-year-old’s history and noted that this was his first interaction with the D.C. court system. It was also mentioned that the mother had tried to seek help for her son and had contacted a local hospital to work with him. The defense attorney stated that the mother is a good parent who recognizes her son’s needs.
During the hearing, the 12-year-old initially stated his age as 13, but it was later corrected that he is actually 12. The judge expressed surprise at the discrepancy.
The assistant attorney general argued for the 12-year-old to be held on the charge of attempting carjacking, while the judge found enough evidence to charge him with carjacking but not armed carjacking. The 12-year-old was ordered to be held at the city’s secured juvenile facility until his next appearance on Monday.
Police have not yet connected any firearms to the two children involved in the incident.
