Mom of man charged in toddler’s shooting death apologizes to family, defends son

CHARLOTTE — A man charged with murder after a 3-year-old boy was killed in a drive-by shooting faced a judge Monday morning.

Jacob Lanier made his first court appearance and Channel 9 was there as the judge read off the list of charges Lanier is facing, including murder in the death of Asiah Fiquero.

Detectives said the boy was shot and killed while he slept in his bed when more than 150 bullets were fired into his home in northwest Charlotte last Tuesday night.

Lanier’s mother was in court Monday and she spoke to Channel 9 about her son, as well as Asiah.

“I apologize, I do -- sincerely,” she said. “I work with kids, so I know. I’ve been working with kids since I was 19. That’s my passion, working with kids, so I was devastated when I heard that. And I didn’t even know what was going on at the time, I promise you. I apologize to the family. My son cried, he apologized because he didn’t do it. That’s not him at all. I promise you, that’s not him.”

Lanier is being held without bond.

“He’s a sweet young man, he’s not a monster,” Lanier’s mother told Channel 9. “He didn’t do this, I know he didn’t do this. The truth will come out.”

Qua’tonio Stephens was arrested late last week for trying to help hide a gun involved in the killing, according to CMPD.

Community leaders meet as frustrations over toddler’s shooting death grow

The group Concerned Citizens of Charlotte rallied on the steps of the Government Center Monday morning.

“We cannot continue to watch our children and family being terrorized by what’s going on in our city,” said April Benson, Mecklenburg City of Elders.

The group rallied to address the violence and gather support from the community.

The group is trying to get 5,000 signatures on a petition they just launched. Organizers told Channel 9 that the city and county leaders are not doing enough to prevent the violence.

“We stand for our communities and we do not want this violence to get out of hand anymore,” said Charlene Henderson. “We’re gonna get it done and we’re gonna get it done with unity in the community.”

There continues to be a high level of frustration in the community following the senseless shooting death of Asiah Fiquero. Police said the boy was killed as he slept in his bed when more than 150 bullets were fired into his home in northwest Charlotte.

So far, police have arrested and charged two 21-year-old men in connection with the crime.

Jacob Lanier is facing several charges, including murder, after being arrested over the weekend. Qua’tonio Stephens was arrested late last week for trying to help hide a gun involved in the killing, according to CMPD.

There have been increased patrols at a handful of area schools and at last Friday’s high school football games as concerns over young people being involved in the crimes continues.

CMPD has stressed the importance of the community helping to solve these cases.

Anyone who knows anything about the shooting that killed Asiah or any of the other violent crimes police are investigating should call Crimestoppers at 704-334-1600.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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