In court, DJ Maiden’s mom says he can smile, but seldom does, after a horrific injury: Photo from “Justice for DJ” Facebook
In September 2013 Brian Cloninger allegedly shot 9-year-old DJ Maiden Jr. in the face, while he played outside in the parking lot at La Bella Palm apartments in Lake Highlands near Royal and Abrams.
DJ lived, but was so badly injured it was months before he could even tell police what had happened.
Multiple witnesses said at the time that they heard Cloninger admit to the shooting. This week those witnesses, DJ’s family members and the child himself had the opportunity to tell their stories. WFAA recorded heartbreaking testimony from Latamarin Locklin, the boy’s mom, who was there when the bleeding child ran to his apartment.
“He was holding his hand over his mouth like this and when I moved his hands, I just saw like a big hole in his lip, and it was like hanging off of his face, almost,” Locklin told the court.
DJ reportedly took the stand Wednesday. He testified that he saw Cloninger pull out a gun, told him to keep walking, but then shot him. The boy, whose injuries are permanent, told the court that it felt like a burn.
At the time police and witnesses said Cloninger appeared drunk the day he allegedly shot DJ. At the time the suspect was on probation for a DWI in Travis County was prohibited from drinking alcohol.
At the scene of the crime, police recovered ammunition scattered about Cloninger’s truck. The man did not live in the complex where the incident occurred.
The trial in ongoing.
After DJ was injured, the Lake Highlands community pulled together to help the family.
