Shocking Christmas Day Incident: Mother Allegedly Shoots Son Over Disrespect at Red Rooster

A Miami woman is facing charges after allegedly shooting her son on Christmas Day outside the well-known Red Rooster restaurant due to what she described as “disrespectful” behavior.

Roseita Lavette Smith, aged 50, has been charged with aggravated battery with a weapon, resulting in bodily harm, according to jail documents examined by Law&Crime.

Smith was taken into custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center shortly after midnight on Friday and is being held without bond.

The incident reportedly took place while Smith and her son were enjoying a brunch at Red Rooster, located on Northwest 2nd Avenue in the Overtown neighborhood, as detailed in an arrest report obtained by local TV station WPLG. During the meal, tensions rose, with Smith accusing her son of disrespecting her and other family members.

The disagreement escalated around 3 p.m. when the argument moved to the parking lot and continued as they got into her car, as per the authorities.

The situation intensified, and as the son stepped out of the vehicle, Smith allegedly pursued him and fired a gunshot, hitting him in the thigh, according to police reports.

Police responded to the scene to find a man lying on the ground and bleeding from his left thigh, according to the report. First responders cared for the victim until he was brought to an area hospital and listed as in stable condition.

Smith, on the other hand, was nowhere to be found.

She had reportedly fled the scene after the shooting, though Miami police officers tracked her down later that day.

The defendant gave a statement saying she acted in self-defense because her son threatened to assault her after he refused to leave her vehicle, according to WPLG. She claimed she feared for her safety, alluding to past behavior from her son.

The shooting victim, whose age is unclear, identified his mother as the person who shot him, and she was arrested.