PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The father of the 3-year-old boy who was shot in the face in South Philadelphia last weekend is facing charges.
Police say the father, 31-year-old James Weldon, was taken into custody Friday morning at a home on South Dover Street. He is facing firearm charges as well as endangering the welfare of a child.
According to sources, it's believed Weldon was handling a gun when it accidentally discharged, striking the 3-year-old in the cheek.
Officials say the boy is still recovering but he's expected to be okay.
Weldon’s arrest comes just one day after the boy's mother, identified as 23-year-old Laylaah Muhammad, was charged with child endangerment and obstruction of justice for the shooting.
Related
Authorities say Muhammad lied to police, claiming she heard two gunshots while walking along Taney Street in Grays Ferry with her son Sunday evening, looked down, and realized her son had been shot in the face. She then said she saw two men dressed in dark clothing run away.
But investigators say they have evidence indicating the shooting happened inside a home on Taney Street, and not outside as she claimed.
Muhammad is being charged with endangering the welfare of a child, conspiracy, and a number of other charges, according to District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Related
