Fort Worth, Texas

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of October 2, 2007

Man shot to death during argument with mom

A woman told police that she and her adult son argued late Monday over money, but it turned violent, and she fatally shot him, according to reports.

Martin Birdow, 34, was identified by the Tarrant County medical examiner's office.

Police were called at 11:09 p.m. to the home in the 2500 block of Pioneer Street, said Lt. Dean Sullivan, police spokesman.

The 55-year-old woman, whose name was unavailable early Tuesday, was identified as Birdow's mother, Sullivan said.

She told officers there had been an argument over financial matters and violence ensued, Sullivan said.

According to her statement to police, her son threatened to burn down the house, and when she tried to call for help, he wrestled the phone from her, Sullivan said.

The woman got a .38-caliber handgun and shot Birdow once in the chest, Sullivan said.

Birdow was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:13 a.m., according to the medical examiner's office.

It was not clear, however, if the woman had been arrested.

Homicide detectives are reviewing evidence and the statement of the woman, who was cooperating with police, Sullivan said.

"It will probably be presented to the district attorney," Sullivan said. "Self defense could be a possibility."

But, he added, "Right now the incident is being treated as a homicide."