Burnsville mother says her 8-year-old son was killed by father as he tried to save her from gunfire

A Burnsville woman said her eight-year-old son was killed in their home by his father as he tried to protect them.

Amir Demarion Harden was shot in the head and neck on Wednesday and died Sunday at HCMC, the Hennepin County coroner’s office said.

Burnsville police and fire departments were notified of the shooting at the family’s home in the 13800 block of Echo Lake Drive, city spokeswoman Carissa Larsen said.

Officers found the man and his son and took them to HCMC. A hospital spokeswoman said the 30-year-old father remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon. The Star Tribune does not typically name suspects before they are charged.

Larsen said the incident appeared to be related to a “domestic family issue” but could not provide further details.

“We don’t know if the child was the intended target, and that’s part of what’s still being investigated,” Larsen said, adding that other people were present at the time.

The boy’s mother’s statement is consistent with the police’s previous information.

“His father tried to shoot me, but my son was shot instead,” Cherish Edwards wrote on an online fundraising page set up to help the family with the costs of the shooting. “Amir tried to rip the gun out of his father’s hand. I yelled at him to leave and go to the neighbors. He refused, saying, ‘Mommy, I’m not leaving you here.'”

“His four siblings witnessed this tragic event,” Edwards continued. “My children are traumatized and will likely need therapy for the rest of their lives. Thank you to everyone who donates.”

Star Tribune writer Louis Krauss contributed to this report.