Fatal Shooting: Boy Defends Mother in Struggle, Says Investigators

SPOTSYLVANIA, VA — A man killed Tuesday was shot several times by a boy defending his mother during an assault, according to Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

The man has been identified as the woman's boyfriend, John Conroy Jr., 37, of Spotsylvania.

According to a statement by Capt. Jeff Pearce with the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded at 3:45 p.m. to the home in the 5300 block of Towles Mill Road.

Conroy's body was found with several gunshot wounds.

Prior to the shooting, Conroy was arguing with his girlfriend, according to Pearce.

"At some point, according to initial information garnered by Detectives, Conroy began physically attacking her, in the presence of her juvenile son, who is not related to Conroy," according to Pearce.

Attempting to intervene, the boy shot several shots from a semiautomatic firearm that was in the room, hitting Conroy multiple times, according to Pearce.

No charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing.