50-Year-Old Roseita Lavette Smith Shot Son Outside Red Rooster Restaurant for Being Disrespectful

A Christmas Day outing meant to be a family brunch ended in violence outside a Red Rooster restaurant, where a mother is accused of shooting her own son following an argument that reportedly began inside the establishment. According to an arrest report cited by local media, 50-year-old Roseita Lavette Smith allegedly fired a single gunshot at her son in the restaurant’s parking lot after accusing him of being “disrespectful” toward her and other family members.

The incident, which unfolded in the mid-afternoon hours of December 25, has since led to Roseita Lavette Smith’s arrest and raised serious questions about family conflict, claims of self-defense, and the circumstances that escalated a verbal dispute into a shooting. Authorities said the shooting occurred at approximately 3 p.m., a time when many families across the country were gathered to celebrate the holiday.

First responders arriving at the scene found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his thigh. The victim, whose age has not been publicly disclosed, was transported to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. While the injury was not fatal, the alleged actions of Roseita Lavette Smith have prompted a criminal investigation and drawn attention to the volatile dynamics described in police accounts.

Events Leading Up to the Christmas Day Shooting

According to the information provided to law enforcement, the victim and his mother had gone to the Red Rooster restaurant for brunch on Christmas Day. What began as a family meal reportedly became tense when Roseita Lavette Smith accused her son of behaving disrespectfully toward her and other relatives present. Investigators noted that the disagreement did not remain confined to the table, instead continuing as the pair left the restaurant and moved into the parking lot.

The argument reportedly escalated further once both individuals entered Smith’s vehicle. Details from the arrest report indicate that voices were raised and that the confrontation intensified rather than subsided. At some point, both Roseita Lavette Smith and her son exited the vehicle. It was then, according to authorities, that Smith allegedly produced a firearm and fired a single shot, striking her son in the thigh.

After the gunshot was fired, Roseita Lavette Smith reportedly fled the scene immediately. Emergency services were called, and responders treated the wounded man before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Police began searching for Smith soon after, working to locate her and gather accounts of what had transpired during the confrontation. The scene, set against the backdrop of a family-oriented restaurant on a major holiday, underscored the suddenness and severity of the incident.

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The arrest report does not indicate that any other individuals were physically harmed during the episode, nor does it specify whether other family members witnessed the shooting directly. However, the broader context suggests that the argument had been ongoing and emotionally charged, with accusations of disrespect acting as the catalyst for the confrontation that followed.

Police Response, Arrest, and Allegations

Law enforcement officials were able to locate Roseita Lavette Smith sometime after the shooting and placed her under arrest. During questioning, Smith provided her account of the events, offering a markedly different interpretation of what had occurred outside the restaurant. According to police, Smith claimed that she acted in self-defense, asserting that her son had threatened to assault her if she did not leave her vehicle.

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Roseita Lavette Smith reportedly told investigators that she feared for her safety due to what she described as her son’s past behavior. She claimed that this history contributed to her belief that the threat was credible and imminent. Based on her statement, Smith argued that the shooting was not an act of retaliation or anger but a response to what she perceived as an immediate danger.

Authorities documented her claims as part of the arrest report, noting the contrast between her version of events and the account provided by the victim. The victim told police that the argument stemmed from accusations of disrespect and that Roseita Lavette Smith fired the weapon during the dispute. Investigators are tasked with evaluating these differing narratives, examining physical evidence, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage from the area to determine the sequence of events and whether the claim of self-defense is supported.

The legal process following Smith’s arrest will likely involve careful scrutiny of the circumstances under which the firearm was used. Factors such as the location of the shooting, the nature of the alleged threat, and whether Smith had the opportunity to retreat or de-escalate the situation are all elements that may be considered as the case moves forward. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to focus closely on these details as they assess potential charges and defenses.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation

Incidents involving alleged family violence, particularly on significant holidays, often draw heightened public attention due to their emotional and social implications. The shooting outside the Red Rooster restaurant has prompted renewed discussion about how domestic disputes can escalate rapidly and the role that firearms play in such situations. While the investigation remains ongoing, the case illustrates how a disagreement that begins verbally can, under certain conditions, turn into a life-threatening encounter.

Authorities have not released full details about the firearm allegedly used in the shooting, nor have they disclosed whether Smith legally owned the weapon. These aspects may become relevant as investigators continue to build their case and as court proceedings unfold. Additionally, any prior history of domestic disputes or police involvement between Smith and her son could influence how the incident is ultimately characterized within the justice system.

The victim’s condition has been described as stable, and no updates have indicated long-term complications from the injury. Nevertheless, the emotional and psychological impact of the event on both individuals and their family is likely to be significant. Legal experts often note that cases involving parent and child carry unique complexities, as familial relationships intersect with criminal law considerations.

As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement officials are expected to continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses who may have been present at the restaurant or in the parking lot at the time of the shooting. Surveillance footage, if available, could provide crucial insight into the moments leading up to the gunshot and help clarify whether the encounter supports claims of self-defense or aligns more closely with allegations of an unprovoked shooting.

The case against Roseita Lavette Smith remains in its early stages, and further information is expected to emerge as court proceedings advance. For now, the Christmas Day shooting stands as a stark example of how familial tensions, when combined with access to a firearm, can result in serious injury and criminal charges, even during moments traditionally associated with celebration and togetherness.