Source: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/02/19/Youngster-shot-to-death-mother-charged/1539382942800/

Youngster shot to death, mother charged

Feb. 19, 1982

SAN DIEGO -- A mother, who apparently had been having emotional problems, went into the bedroom of her sleeping 11-year-old son early Friday and shot him to death, police said.

Authorities said Stephen Savage was shot in the head at nearly point-blank range with a .410-guage shotgun as he was curled up in a sleeping bag in an upstairs bedroom at the family's condominium home.

‘He was shot in the head,’ said deputy coroner Everett Mauger. 'There was massive disruption. The assailant was standing very close, perhaps at the end of his sleeping bag.'

The boy's mother, Sara Savage, 48, was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder.

Police Lt. John Gre[g]ory said Stephen's older brother, David, 15, called them at 5:49 a.m. and reported the shooting. Gregory said the shotgun was found in the garage.

The victim, a sixth grader at Scripps Miramar Ranch Elementary School, was dead when the first officers arrived.

Police said Mrs. Savage was wearing a blue robe with red trim when she was arrested. Her husband David, 43, and David Jr. also were being questioned.

Neighbors of Mrs. Savage said the woman had been having emotional troubles and was under a doctor's care.

‘It was obvious she had problems,’ said Christine De Haven. ‘She told me someone was trying to kill her, someone was trying to get her, harm her. It was all in her imagination.’

Mrs. De Haven said Mrs. Savage called the Fire Department last May 29 to report her house was burning but there was no fire.

Police said they had been to the Savage home at least once in the past but could not determine that the woman posed any danger.

‘That's our system,’ Gregory said. ‘There's nothing you can do. Sad, but true.’