A Burnsville mom says her 8-year-old son was killed by his father while trying to stop her from being shot

A Burnsville woman said her 8-year-old son was killed by his father in their home while trying to protect her.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office said Amir Demarion Harden was shot in the head and neck and died Sunday at HCMC.

Burnsville police and fire departments were alerted to the shooting at the family’s apartment in the 13800 block of Echo Lake Drive, said city spokeswoman Carissa Larsen.

Officers located the man and his son and took them to HCMC. A hospital spokeswoman said the child’s 30-year-old father was in critical condition on Tuesday afternoon. The Star Tribune typically does not name suspects before they are charged.

Larsen stated that the incident was likely related to “family issues” but provided no further details.

“We don’t know if the child was the intended target, but that’s part of the case that’s still under investigation,” Larsen said, adding that other people were present at the time.

The boy’s mother’s account is consistent with what the police have revealed so far.

“His father tried to shoot and kill me, but my son was shot instead,” Cherish Edwards wrote on an online fundraising page that has begun helping the family with expenses related to the shooting. “Amir tried to grab the gun from his father’s hand. I shouted at him to leave and go to the neighbors. He refused and said: “Mom, I won’t leave you here.”

“His father tried to shoot and kill me, but my son was shot instead,” Cherish Edwards wrote on an online fundraising page that has begun helping the family with expenses related to the shooting. “Amir tried to snatch the gun from his hand. I shouted at him to leave and go to the neighbors. He refused and said: ‘Mom, I won’t leave you here.’

“Four of his siblings witnessed this tragic event,” Edwards continued. “My children have been traumatized and will likely need therapy for the rest of their lives. Thank you to everyone who donates.”

Star Tribune staff writer Louis Krauss contributed to this report.