A Kansas mother, Tesha Jenkins—also known as Tesha Florence—has been charged with second-degree murder following the tragic shooting death of her 16-year-old son, Robert Florence.
According to law enforcement, Jenkins admitted to the shooting, which occurred after a heated argument at their home over Robert’s refusal to attend school.
Jenkins, who allegedly described her son as a “bad kid” involved with drugs and truancy, told police that their argument escalated, leading to Robert becoming increasingly disruptive in the home.
Jenkins reportedly lay down to rest when Robert took a firearm from her bag. In a struggle that followed, Jenkins gained control of the weapon and, pointing it at Robert, allegedly asked if he “wanted to die.”
At this moment, Jenkins says, the gun “went off,” hitting Robert fatally.
She later revealed to police that she thought the firearm was unloaded, though she had placed ammunition in it several weeks prior.
When police arrived, they found Robert critically injured, and Jenkins was described as “emotionally distraught,” crying out, “I shot my baby.”
Robert was transported to a nearby hospital but passed away two days later from his injuries.
Jenkins has been taken into custody and awaits trial on charges of second-degree murder.
