Teen Allegedly Shoots Boy Over a Girl — and Mom Tries to Help Him Get Away, Police Say

What began as a teenage argument over a girl ended in gunfire — and now both a 15-year-old boy and his mother are facing serious charges in Florida.

Authorities say the teen shot another boy during a heated dispute. But instead of calling the police or encouraging her son to turn himself in, his mother allegedly helped him hide from law enforcement. Now, she’s under arrest too.

A Love Triangle That Turned Violent

The shooting happened in Monroe County on March 11. According to police, the confrontation involved two teenage boys and stemmed from ongoing tension over a girl they both knew.

At some point during the argument, the 15-year-old suspect reportedly pulled out a gun and shot the other teen. Thankfully, the victim survived and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Still, the emotional and physical trauma from the incident has left the local community shaken.

“We’re talking about kids here,” said one neighbor who lives near the scene. “It’s heartbreaking. One moment changes everything for all of them.”

A Mother’s Role — and a Controversial Decision

Shortly after the shooting, investigators say the teen called his mother, 37-year-old Cindy Mishelle Paniagua. Rather than contact authorities, Paniagua allegedly picked him up, helped him leave the area, and actively avoided speaking with police.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, she also warned others not to report the shooting or her son’s whereabouts. Investigators now believe she was trying to protect him from arrest — even as police searched for answers in the shooting of a young boy.

“It’s hard to imagine a mother doing that, but people panic,” said a family friend who asked not to be named. “She probably thought she was doing the right thing at the time — but the law doesn’t see it that way.”

Arrests and Charges Filed

The teen eventually surrendered to law enforcement on March 11. He is now charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Due to the serious nature of the crime, prosecutors have not ruled out charging him as an adult.

His mother, meanwhile, was arrested on April 10. She faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact involving a child — a charge that carries significant penalties if she’s convicted.

Officials say her actions could have jeopardized the investigation and delayed justice for the victim.

Police: Parents Must Set the Right Example

In a statement, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of parental responsibility during criminal investigations — especially when young people are involved.

“Parents are often the first line of accountability for their children,” a department spokesperson said. “We understand emotions run high in moments like these, but helping a child avoid arrest only deepens the consequences for everyone involved.”

Law enforcement stressed that it’s always better for a suspect — particularly a minor — to surrender peacefully and work through the legal system with appropriate representation.

Questions and Community Reactions

The story has stirred conversations around the community and online about gun access among teens, the pressures of young relationships, and the complicated choices parents sometimes make in the heat of the moment.

Some have expressed sympathy for the mother, believing she panicked and acted emotionally. Others feel she should be held fully accountable, especially since her actions could have escalated the situation or prevented police from finding the shooter in time.

“It’s a tragedy all around,” said one local pastor. “One kid’s in jail, another kid’s hurt, and a mom may lose her freedom trying to protect her child. Everyone loses here.”

What’s Next?

Both the teen and his mother remain in custody as the legal process unfolds. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office is expected to announce within weeks whether the boy will be charged as an adult. Meanwhile, Paniagua awaits a court date for her own charges.

Officials haven’t released the name of the teen due to his age, and the identity of the victim is also being withheld for privacy reasons.

As families on both sides try to process what happened, one thing is clear — a moment of violence and a few critical decisions have changed multiple lives forever.