More than a year after her 10-year-old son, Javion, was shot in the face by a 9-year-old at Brittany Woods Apartments, Valdosta mother Marshania English states she has not been informed of a court date in the case. English also noted that the mother of the boy involved in the Sept. 7, 2026 incident continues to live just a few houses away from her family. Valdosta Police Department previously stated that the shooting occurred while the two boys were playing with a gun.
Following the shooting, Valdosta Police detectives obtained arrest warrants on Sept. 9, 2026, for Andrea McClendon, 46, the mother of the 9-year-old and the owner of the firearm. McClendon was charged with second-degree cruelty to children and reckless conduct. Police reported that McClendon turned herself in at the Lowndes County Jail on Sept. 14, 2026. Through the Department of Juvenile Justice, the 9-year-old boy was also charged with reckless conduct and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Marshania English expressed that she feels "no justice has been served" as she observes the other family continuing their daily lives. She described feeling angry seeing them regularly, which influences her decision to allow Javion outside only when she is present. English highlighted the ongoing emotional toll on her son, who has returned home but is not fully back into his usual school activities. While Javion is attending school, he is not currently participating in physical education. English noted her son has "his days with his ups and downs" and she now pays a lot more attention to him. She mentioned that Javion now faces the reality of explaining his injuries, such as marks on his neck or issues with his teeth.
Javion recounted the day of the shooting, stating the other boy asked if he wanted to see his mother's gun. Javion said he asked the boy not to point it at him and to avoid putting bullets in it, but the other boy did "the opposite." Javion described the boy pointing the gun at him, loading bullets, cocking it back, and then locking the door. Javion attempted to push the gun down to disarm it before being shot. His mother, Marshania English, is overwhelmed by the situation, noting that Javion now requires therapy and will deal with the effects for the rest of his life.
English expressed a desire for distance between the families, stating she "would feel more at peace is either I moved or they moved." She also mentioned her belief that the legal system failed her due to McClendon's quick release from custody. Marshania English confirmed she has not received any information regarding a court date in the case. To assist with Javion’s recovery, a GoFundMe has been established to cover his dental costs, specifically for "teeth cosmetics" and veneers.
