14-year-old girl claims she killed abusive dad in self defense

CLEVELAND, OH -- Attorneys for a 14-year-old girl charged in the shooting death of her father said she did it to protect herself and her mom.

Bresha Meadows faced an aggravated murder charge after police said she shot and killed her father, 41-year-old Jonathan Meadows, on July 30.

Jonathan was sleeping when his daughter allegedly pulled the trigger, said the victim's sister, Lena Cooper.

The family of Jonathan gathered for a funeral Friday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland. They said he loved his family, especially his children.

However, that's not the story from Bresha's mother, Brandi Meadows, who called 911 in the moments after Jonathan was shot.

Brandi said her late husband was abusive, and her daughter was only trying to protect her family.

"She is my hero," Brandi said. "I wasn't strong enough to get out, and she helped me, she helped all of us. She's my hero..."

Attorney Ian Friedman, who was representing the 14-year-old, said the family experienced repeated abuses.

Jonathan's family said they're not buying claims he hurt anyone.

James Blount, Jonathan's brother, admitted his sibling "drank a little bit, but he would have given his life for his kids."

"And he did," Blount said. "One of them took his life."

Meantime, Lena Cooper said her brother shouldn't have died.

"This is cold and calculated," Cooper said. "My brother was murdered...no signs of abuse in the house."

Attorneys added Bresha ran away three months prior to the shooting and told relatives she feared for her life and her mother's life.