03:04 PM CST on Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Associated Press
ADELANTO, Calif. - A young boy survived his father's killing spree by pretending to play dead after the man killed his wife, wounded the boy and then shot himself, authorities said.
Aaron Kinard was eating cookies and drinking milk when his father shot him and his mother Sunday. The boy, who turned 9 on Monday, remained motionless on the floor until his father shot and killed himself.
Aaron then rode his bicycle to a family friend's house.
"I saw some blood on his arm, and he told me his parents were both dead, that he saw his dad shoot his mom in the back and then shoot himself in the head," said Blanche Cuccia, one of the neighbors who helped the boy until paramedics and deputies arrived. "He was clearly in shock. It was like he was wanting to cry, but no tears were coming."
San Bernardino County sheriff's investigators said 83-year-old Oscar Lawrence apparently killed the boy's mother, 44-year-old Anita Kinard after an argument.
"The boy was extremely smart. Once he heard the other gunshot and heard his dad fall, he took off running," Sgt. Mitch Dattilo said. "For a kid that age to keep his wits about him in a situation like that is incredible."
The boy was treated for a graze wound and placed in the custody of child-protective services. He may be turned over to an adult sibling who has expressed interest in caring for him, authorities said.
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