13-year-old facing murder charge in shooting of 12-year-old

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A 13-year-old has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of 12-year-old Malachi Hagan Moses in Laurel County.

Two months have passed since Barbara Bateman’s son, Malachi Moses, went over to a home on Shackle Road, south of London.

What happened next still leaves her shattered.

“My children are my whole world,” said Bateman, who lives in Corbin. “For me to lose part of me has just broke me.”

Moses was killed back in July. We’re told the shooting happened in a bedroom inside a home on Shackle Road in the Lily area, south of London.

Police initially concluded that Moses and a 13-year-old were handling a pistol when the gun went off, but Bateman felt there was more to the story.

“Stuff was said that didn’t seem to be truthful or in character, and you just kind of have a gut feeling when something isn’t right,” Bateman said.

She knows her son seemed especially excited to be going over to this house, but she didn’t know why. She added that the two had gone to school together, but then started going to separate schools. Bateman says they were then reconnected through a mutual friend.

“Just to think that he was so excited to go, and someone would have ill will towards him...just pure evil,” said Bateman.

She appreciates the efforts of law enforcement to stay on Malachi’s case.

“It could’ve possibly been considered an accident,” Bateman said. “But they didn’t let it go, they put forth the effort and the time.”

While Bateman couldn’t go into detail, what they’ve learned through this investigation makes them confident that the trigger being pulled was no mistake.

“Of course, it doesn’t change the fact he’s gone, said Bateman. “I still pray for full justice for Malachi.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the 13-year-old was arrested Thursday and taken to a juvenile holding facility. Court proceedings are underway.

This is a developing story.

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