Teen's Bible deflects gunshot, but brother dies
NORTH FORT MYERS, Florida (AP) -- Police said a mother shot dead her 6-year-old son Sunday, but another shotgun blast intended for his 16-year-old brother was absorbed by the teen-ager's Bible.
The woman, Leslie Ann Wallace, 39, was later shot by sheriff's deputies and hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities said Wallace shot her son James Wallace at home, then drove to her family's church where she fired her shotgun at 16-year-old Kenneth Wallace as he stood outside.
The blast, fired at close range, struck his Bible and the overcoat he was carrying. Kenneth Wallace's arm had minor scratches.
"The Bible certainly saved his life," said Lee County sheriff's deputy Larry King. "Had his Bible not been in the way he would have sustained the brunt of the blast and very well could have died from that type of injury."
Mrs. Wallace then drove to a pizzeria, police said, where her 19-year-old son Gregory was working. Police had forewarned Gregory Wallace that his mother might be en route. Police said she pointed the gun at the manager at the restaurant.
Authorities said she then went to a pay phone and called 911 to report the killing of the 6-year-old. Police found his body at the family's home.
When deputies pulled over her car, she began firing at them, authorities said. They returned fire, hitting her once.
King said police did not give a motive for the shootings, but said officers found anti-depressant medication at the home.
"We're still sorting through things," King said. "The rest of the circumstances aren't real clear yet."
He said charges against Wallace were pending.
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