14-Year-Old Charged with Murdering Mother After Math Grade Dispute

The teen allegedly shot his mother in the back of the head with her own gun after a fight over his poor math grades.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:48pm

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A 14-year-old boy in Cheyenne, Wyoming has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his mother, Theresa McIntosh, in the back of the head with her own 9mm handgun. The teen, identified as Havoc Leone, initially told police his mother had killed herself, but later confessed to the shooting, saying he was angry at her for mocking his poor math grades and couldn't tell her how much he hated her.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms in homes with children, as well as the need for better mental health resources and support for families dealing with parent-child conflicts. It also raises questions about juvenile justice and whether minors accused of violent crimes should be tried as adults.

The details

According to police, a week before the shooting, Leone had stolen his mother's 9mm handgun from her vehicle during a fight over his D grade in math. On the day of the incident, McIntosh and Leone's father confronted him about allegedly stealing a tablet from one of McIntosh's cleaning clients. During the argument, McIntosh called Leone a "thief" and "mentally handicapped". Leone then allegedly grabbed the notebook with his mother's gun password, retrieved the weapon, and shot McIntosh in the back of the head as she was on the floor doing a puzzle. His father, who was in the basement, heard the gunshot but thought it was an accident.

  • On March 7, 2026, the shooting took place at the family's home in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
  • On March 8, 2026, Theresa McIntosh died from her injuries.
  • On March 10, 2026, the 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

The players

Theresa McIntosh

A 41-year-old woman who was shot and killed by her 14-year-old son in their Cheyenne, Wyoming home.

Havoc Leone

The 14-year-old son of Theresa McIntosh who has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting his mother in the back of the head.

Havoc Leone's father

The common-law husband of Theresa McIntosh and father of Havoc Leone, who was in the basement playing video games when he heard the gunshot.

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What they’re saying

“I understand, but I don't want to f—ing say it. Yes, I understand that it's a possibility, but I really hope it's not. It'd be a lot easier to accept that she killed herself than my son tried to kill her.”

— Havoc Leone's father

“I was angry right before he shot McIntosh and couldn't tell her how much he hated her because she doesn't understand him.”

— Havoc Leone, Suspect

What’s next

Leone is scheduled to appear in court on March 18, 2026 where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for better access to mental health resources and support for families, as well as the importance of secure firearm storage to prevent tragedies involving children and guns. It also raises difficult questions about juvenile justice and whether minors accused of violent crimes should be tried as adults.