At first, Thalley and Nicole Fernandez, the child's mother, told police the boy had been winged during a drive-by shooting -- but cops soon concluded the incident had actually taken place at the couple's home.
Next, Thalley reportedly claimed he accidentally shot the tot after removing his gun from a drawer with the intention of killing himself. But that's been a no-sale, too. The DA has charged Thalley with attempted first degree murder and three menacing counts, and accused Fernandez of being an accessory to the crime.
One more dubious explanation and he'll score a trifecta. Look below for more details.
CHARGES FILED IN SHOOTING OF THREE-YEAR-OLD BOYDenver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has formally charged a man and woman in connection with the shooting of their three-year-old son on November 22, 2009.
William Thalley (10-17-80) is charged with attempted first-degree murder (F2), child abuse (F3), and three counts of menacing (F5).
Nicole Fernandez (02-08-1984) is charged with accessory to crime (F5).
The charges allege that Thalley shot the boy during an argument he was having with Fernandez and that Fernandez later tried to help cover it up. The defendants first indicated to police that the child had been shot by an unknown male suspect at Morrison and Lowell Road. After further investigation by the Denver Police Department, Thalley was arrested, suspected of shooting his son in their home.
The defendants remain in custody in the Denver County Jail; bond is set at $275,000 for Thalley and $150,000 for Fernandez. The defendants are scheduled to appear in Denver County Court, room 472W, on December 3, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. to be advised of the charges.