WASHINGTON — A Maryland mother has been indicted on charges of murdering her teenage son after an argument over his behavior while playing video games.
Angelique Chase, of Clinton, was indicted Thursday by a Prince George’s County grand jury on charges of common law murder, first-degree child abuse resulting in death and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence.
Under the common law charge, if jurors believe Chase shot her son, they could choose first- or second-degree murder, manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter. They could also find her not guilty.
The maximum penalty could be life in prison.
On Feb. 24, Chase got into an argument with her son, Christopher Perry, as the 17-year-old was playing video games.
Chase told investigators her son was using disrespectful language.
When Chase tried to take away Perry’s game and phone, their verbal argument escalated into a physical one.
According to court documents, a family member separated the two.
The family member saw Chase go downstairs into the basement. She allegedly returned with a handgun, and shot her son once, in the chest.
Chase called 911 and reported her son had been shot.
Perry was found by first responders in the living room suffering from a gunshot wound.
According to investigators, after waiving her Miranda rights, Chase admitted shooting her son.
It’s unclear when Chase will make her first court appearance to hear the charges against her.
