14-year-old boy died while trying to protect mom, court documents say

OXON HILL, Md. - A 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death while trying to protect his mother from her live-in boyfriend, according to court documents released Tuesday.

Charging documents show the victim's mother, Lakisha Jenkins, started arguing with her boyfriend, 48-year-old Sean Crawford, after she returned to her Oxon Hill apartment on Monday morning. Keyshaun Mason and his older brother tried to help their mom, which apparently set off Crawford.

According to the documents, the suspect grabbed a kitchen knife and barricaded himself in the master bedroom with the victims' mother. The brothers forced their way inside the room and told Crawford to leave the apartment.

Police say Crawford then attacked the teenagers with the knife. He got the 18-year-old in the shoulder and stabbed 14-year-old Mason in the chest.

Jenkins spoke Tuesday outside Potomac High School, where her son was in the ninth grade.

"My kids responded. They did what they felt was needed to see if I was safe," said Jenkins.

After the stabbing, her 18-year-old son was rushed to Prince George's Hospital Center and treated for his stab wound. Mason was taken to Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. on Monday.

Jenkins would only say that she dated Crawford for a short time and was trying to help him.

"You never think that helping someone will end up in this manner. Some things are just unforeseen. Why it had to happen the way it did, I don't know. But, I can't change what happened," said Jenkins.

At one point, the grieving mother collapsed outside the school. Mason's entire family is distraught.

"I loved my grandson. I'm going to miss him. He loved to play football. He would help anybody out," said grandmother Deatrice Mason. "I'm just going to miss my grandson Keyshaun. Rest in peace. I'll miss you. Love you boy."

The family said there will be a vigil on Friday at 6 p.m. outside of their home.

Meanwhile, Crawford is charged with murder and attempted murder. He is being held without bond.