Mother Speaks Out After Son Is Shot by 13-Year-Old Friend in Alleged Matteson Rec Center Incident
Friends and supporters flood social media with prayers for Kayden’s healing.
November 17, 2026
This article was last updated by aditibhatta on November 16, 2026
A heartbroken mother is demanding justice after her son, Kayden, was allegedly shot by a 13-year-old friend during an incident at the Matteson Recreation Center in late October.
The boy’s mother, Drea Jackson, has taken to social media to share her anger, frustration, and grief as her son continues to fight through a painful recovery.
Jackson says the shooting changed her birthday into a day she can no longer celebrate.
Instead of cake and joy, she spent the day facing the reality that her son may not walk for some time and still struggles to keep food down.
According to Jackson, people have attempted to portray her son as a bully, a narrative she firmly rejects.
She insists that Kayden and the 13-year-old were close friends and claims the shooting stemmed from an argument over a vape pen.
She says her son still cannot understand why his friend turned a gun on him.
“He shot my son down like it was a cowboy movie,” Jackson , recalling the horrific moment that left her child hospitalized.
She alleges the 13-year-old immediately fled the scene and contacted his father to pick him up rather than helping Kayden or calling for emergency assistance.
Jackson also accuses the boy’s family of hiding past behavior, including a reported incident where the teen allegedly pulled a gun on another student the previous year.
She expresses frustration that adults who witnessed concerning behavior failed to speak up before tragedy struck.
“They want him home for the holidays to spend time with his family, but my son still can’t walk,” she wrote.
“I’m supposed to feel sympathy?”
The mother says she has not received an apology or acknowledgement from the shooter’s family, despite their public reputation as a “church-loving” household.
She emphasizes that the community appears more concerned with protecting the accused teen than supporting her injured son.
As her son heals, Jackson says she continues to face betrayal from people she once trusted.
She claims some family members and friends are “playing both sides” and spreading misinformation instead of offering genuine support.
Despite this emotional strain, she remains focused on advocating for justice and transparency in the case.
Kayden, who is still struggling physically and emotionally, reportedly told his mother that he does not believe his friend intentionally meant to harm him.
Jackson says his innocence and loyalty make the situation even more heartbreaking.
Supporters across social media have rallied around the family, offering prayers, encouragement, and wishes for Kayden’s recovery.
Messages from friends, relatives, and community members continue to pour in, urging Jackson to stay strong and promising to stand with her throughout the legal process.
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