Mother shot son outside Red Rooster restaurant for being ‘disrespectful’ on Christmas

A Miami woman is facing felony charges after authorities say she shot her son on Christmas Day following an argument outside a popular restaurant.

Roseita Lavette Smith, 50, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a weapon causing bodily harm, according to jail records reviewed by Law&Crime. She was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center shortly after midnight Friday and is currently being held without bond.

According to an arrest report obtained by local station WPLG, Smith and her son had been eating brunch at the Red Rooster restaurant on Northwest 2nd Avenue in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood when an argument began. Investigators say Smith became upset and accused her son of being disrespectful toward her and other family members.

The dispute reportedly continued outside into the parking lot around 3 p.m. as the two entered Smith’s vehicle. Police say the argument escalated further when the son exited the car. Smith allegedly followed him and fired a single gunshot, striking him in the thigh.

Officers responding to the scene found the man bleeding from his left thigh. First responders provided medical aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Smith had left the scene before police arrived, but officers later located and detained her that same day.

According to WPLG, Smith told investigators she acted in self-defense, claiming her son threatened to assault her after refusing to leave her vehicle. She said she feared for her safety, citing previous incidents involving her son.

The victim, whose age was not released, identified his mother as the shooter. Smith was subsequently arrested and charged.

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