Bible saves life of teen-ager in shooting involving mom

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A mother allegedly shot two of her sons, killing the 6-year-old and inflicting minor injuries on his 16-year-old brother, whose Bible absorbed the shotgun blast.

Leslie Ann Wallace, 39, was shot and seriously wounded later Sunday by Lee County Sheriff's deputies after she fired at them, officials said. She was in serious condition Monday after undergoing surgery, according to a hospital supervisor.

Authorities said they had not found a motive for the shootings, and Wallace had not yet been charged Monday.

Authorities said Wallace fatally shot her 6-year-old son, James, as he watched television at their home Sunday. She then allegedly drove to the New Wine Ministries Church and fired at her son, Kenneth, as he stood outside.

The blast, fired at close range, struck Kenneth Wallace's Bible and the overcoat he was carrying, police said. He suffered minor scratches on his arm.

"The Bible certainly saved his life," King said.

Leslie Wallace is an 18-year veteran of the Marine Corps who has broad knowledge of weapons, according to police Capt. Richard Chard. Authorities removed at least four firearms from the home.

Authorities said Leslie Wallace drove after the shootings to a local pizzeria where her 19-year-old son, Gregory, was working. She also worked there as a delivery driver, according to a report in Monday's editions of The News-Press in Fort Myers.

Authorities said she eventually called 911 from a pay phone to report she had killed her 6-year-old son. Authorities went to the Wallace home and found the child's body.