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A Baltimore-area day care owner named Shanteari Weems has formally pleaded guilty to shooting her husband, James Weems.
On Monday, Shanteari took accountability for shooting James back on July 21. CBS Baltimore reports that she specifically pleaded guilty to armed aggravated assault and carrying an unlicensed firearm.
Shanteari was initially also charged with resisting arrest, possessing a firearm during a crime, and assault with intent to kill. However, these charges will be dismissed at her sentencing, which will go down on February 3, according to CBS Baltimore.
The case swiftly came to widespread public attention back when it occurred, and it’s notably related to a serious accusation levied against James.
As we previously reported, Shanteari says she shot James after she learned of allegations that he molested numerous children at her day care, Kidz Kastle Child Development Center.
Shanteari’s attorney, Tony Garcia, spoke on the impact that this revelation had on his client, WBAL-TV reports.
“She was confronted at a very emotional, momentary, shocking moment by the parents of the children that her husband had molested. That she let those children, that those children got hurt on her watch, she has extreme, extreme remorse for that.”
She ultimately shot James in the neck and leg while inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C., though he wound up surviving the ordeal. An investigation into the incident uncovered Shanteari’s plans to shoot James, as well as two handguns.
Shortly after the shooting, James—a former police officer who retired in 2005—was arrested on child sex abuse charges.
He’s reportedly still in police custody, and it’s currently unclear when he’s headed to trial.
Following reports of Shanteari’s guilty plea, we should note that the court of public opinion continues to stand by her and call for her freedom.
What are your thoughts on the Shanteari Weems case, and do you think the justice system is failing her?
