Maryland police are investigating a disturbing case in which a mother allegedly shot her 13-year-old daughter and attempted to cover it up by blaming a random intruder. On September 23, officers responded to a 911 call at a home in Seat Pleasant, where they found the young girl at the bottom of a staircase, suffering from a gunshot wound to her neck. The mother, 32-year-old Talecka Brown, initially claimed her daughter had arrived home from school already injured, telling police that a homeless man was responsible.

However, that story quickly unraveled. Surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed the girl walking home from school without any sign of distress, even stopping to bring in a trash can. When questioned at the hospital, the girl revealed a different account. According to her statement, she and her mother had gotten into a heated argument that turned physical shortly after she returned home. As she walked down the stairs, she heard a gunshot and collapsed at the bottom, unable to move. She is now recovering in stable condition, though she still requires additional surgery.

Further investigation led to Brown’s arrest after police found inconsistencies in her story and recovered a loaded Glock from the home. According to court documents, Brown had instructed her daughter to lie to the authorities, claiming a stranger had broken into their house and shot her. Despite her efforts, police remained suspicious, particularly after noticing the smell of gunpowder at the scene. Brown eventually admitted she was the only person at home during the incident.

Brown has been charged with first-degree attempted murder and other related offenses. At a bond hearing on September 25, her attorney argued for home detention, citing her lack of a violent criminal history. However, prosecutors opposed the request, expressing concern about the potential influence Brown could exert over her daughter, especially after Brown was heard in jail calls telling the girl’s father that if their daughter didn’t testify, the case could disappear.

The case has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many expressing outrage over Brown’s actions. Commenters have called for her to face severe punishment, noting the child’s apparent good behavior and Brown’s alleged manipulation. Many voiced their support for the girl, urging that she be placed with her father for protection from her mother.

Seat Pleasant’s Acting Police Chief Cedric Heyward issued a statement following the arrest, calling the incident “heart-wrenching.” He added, “It is always tragic when we have acts of violence in our community, but it is devastating when the perpetrator is supposed to be your protector.” A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October, and the case continues to develop as the girl recovers.