7-Year-Old Acts as Human Shield to Save her Mother

In December, a little girl jumped on her mother's lap to keep her from being shot. She saved her mother's life - and now, against all odds, it looks like she'll make a full recovery.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on April 17 2008

Last December, when a Detroit woman, Selietha Parker, and her 7-year-old daughter, Alexis Goggins, got into a car with a friend, an unwelcome visitor forced his way into the backseat: Parker’s ex-boyfriend, Calvin Tillie – carrying a loaded gun.

Needless to say, the relationship had not ended on good terms.

After the driver pulled over to call the police, Parker and Alexis were left alone with the dangerous man. Parker begged him not to hurt them, but he refused to listen.

“Me and Alexis was left in the car with him at gunpoint and he starting shooting,” Parker told Good Morning, America.

Tillie was aiming at Parker –but her daughter couldn’t stand the thought of her mother being hurt, and jumped into Parker’s lap to protect her, shouting, “Don’t hurt my mother!”

Alexis’ body was pelted with six bullets that had been intended for her mother, with shots in the eye, chin, cheek, chest and jaw. When the police showed up, the little girl was lying in a pool of blood, barely breathing. At the hospital, doctors said that Alexis had been so badly injured that she may never walk or talk again.

But against the odds, five months after the accident, Alexis is on her way back to full health. She is able to walk and talk, and her doctors are now expecting her to make a full recovery. “Everybody’s still kind of shocked,” said Parker.

Alexis has no regrets about taking the bullets meant for her mother. “I saved my mom,” she said.

Parker is thrilled that her daughter is doing so well, and is filled with gratitude for the selfless child’s incredible act of bravery. “She’s my angel and I love her to death.”

Filed under: Heroes,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

Four Tips for Parents On Learning to Keep their Anger Under Control

When your child misbehaves, it can be tough to avoid the temptation to lash out or yell. Peder Hill shares four strategies to help parents keep their calm. Read More
25 Rules for Mothers of Boys

Tabitha Studer shares some parenting advice for women raising young boys. Read More
How Cypress Ranch High School Beat Bullying with a Lip-Dub Video

Students at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas filmed a video lip-dub set to a student's anti-bullying song to promote the message of acceptance. Read More
Five Ways to Help Your Kids Go Green

Try these tips to help your children become more eco-friendly. Read More
Schools Say Goodbye to “Pink Slime” Ground Beef Byproduct

The USDA has just announced that school districts can opt out of purchasing “lean finely textured beef,” an ammonia-treated meat byproduct, after thousands of parents signed a petition. Read More