East High Student, Mom Talk About 'American Justice' After Arrest
DENVER (CBS4)- Elhadji Dioum, an East High School student who is accused of threatening another student with a weapon in early December 2015, was back in court on Thursday.
The hearing was delayed but for the first time since students were evacuated from the high school that day, CBS4's Suzanne McCarroll was able to talk to Dioum, 18, or Samba, as everyone calls him.
McCarroll sat down with Samba and his mother, Amnata Dioum, to hear how they're getting through the court proceedings and the ordeal itself.
"Tell me about Samba," asked McCarroll.
Through a French interpreter Amnata, visiting from the Ivory Coast and wearing her traditional African attire, said "He's a wonderful kid, very kind, very playful."
That playfulness is what some say got Samba into trouble that day at school. Police say he was threatening another student with a BB gun. Samba says he was just goofing around but the other student took him seriously.
Samba faces three felony charges including aggravated robbery, menacing and theft. Samba's mother is also very worried about the victim in this case.
"Unfortunately they didn't know my son. I totally understand their pain. He is a kid who wouldn't hurt a fly, he is a good kid," said Amnata.
This mother and son sat holding hands, leaning on one another for support. But they're optimistic and are putting their faith in the courts.
"I believe in the American justice and I know they will treat him fairly," says Amnata.
She is a mother who loves her son and hopes others get to know the real Samba.
Suzanne McCarroll is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. Her stories can regularly be seen on CBS4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @SuzanneCBS4.