Teen accidentally shoots, kills mother while trying to stop stepfather from hitting her
MILWAUKEE (WDJT) - A 17-year-old boy from Milwaukee accidentally shot and killed his mother while trying to get his stepfather to stop hitting her, according to recently filed court documents. The stepfather has since been charged with his wife’s death.
Ziare Dalton, 26, is in custody on a charge of felony murder in connection to the death of his wife, 34-year-old Amber Gray, in an April 18 shooting.
Investigators say Gray’s 17-year-old son, identified as J.G., told them he came home that day to find his mother and stepfather arguing. He told Dalton to “stop hitting his mother,” according to his 11-year-old brother.

Court records show the victim called 911. Police say a recording of the call reveals she told the dispatcher that Dalton “was hitting her and now he’s hitting her son.”
The 11-year-old told investigators that J.G. got into an argument with Dalton and followed him downstairs with a gun. Moments later, the boy heard gunshots.
Investigators say about 10 gunshots were heard on the 911 call before it disconnected. Dalton was shot multiple times but survived. Gray was also struck and died from her injuries four days later.
A neighbor, who only wished to be identified by her initials, R.R.R., says Gray was shot in the head. She says the victim leaves behind four children, the youngest of whom had only recently started to walk.
“She was a sweetheart. She was kind, lovable, respectful,” R.R.R. said. “Kids love their mother... and they’ll do everything to protect them. But I just hate that it happened that way. I know it wasn’t intentional… I know the bullet wasn’t for her.”
J.G. is also facing charges following the incident. Court records show he’s charged with possession of a firearm by a person who’d been adjudicated delinquent of a felony as a juvenile.
Carmen Pitre, president of Sojourner Family Peace Center, says this tragic story underlines the importance of speaking up when domestic violence is happening.
“If you’re a young person who’s struggling at home with this type of violence, find a safe person to talk to – a pastor, a relative, a friend, a teacher – so that you can begin to get some emotional support, some connection and some resources,” Pitre said.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text at 88788 or online chat. Their website also provides a directory of resources and support for those affected by domestic violence.
Copyright 2025 WDJT via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.