Mother says 8-year-old killed protecting sister was ‘man of the house’

theGRIO REPORT - Eight-year-old Martin Cobb grew up without a father, but his mother assured him from the time he could talk that he was the "man of the house."

TheGrio Staff

May 6, 2014

Eight-year-old Martin Cobb grew up without a father, but his mother assured him from the time he could talk that he was the “man of the house.”

In an interview with the Associated Press and Richmond Times-Dispatch, Cobb’s mother, Sharain Spruill, said Cobb was a “mama’s boy” who was tiny in stature but had a “fighting spirit.”

Last Thursday, Cobb was killed while apparently trying to protect his 11-year-old sister from being raped. A 16-year-old teen, whose name has not been released, faces murder and strangulation charges.

The teenager has not been charged with sexual assault.

TheGrio | 8-year-old boy killed protecting sister from rapist

Late last week, WTVR reporter Chelsea Rarrick tweeted a sign that was donated to the family in Martin’s memory:

Martin Cobb's cousin tells me this sign was donated to the family to put in the front yard. @CBS6 #rva pic.twitter.com/yqnvSF9tCn

— Chelsea Rarrick (@ChelseaRarrick) May 3, 2014

WWBT’s Kelly Avellino reports that supporters of Cobb have started an online petition asking President Barack Obama to recognize his “incredible bravery.” The petition’s goal is to reach 100,000 signatures by June 1. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 2,000 people had signed.

Cobb’s family is saying on record that any money they receive in donations will go towards funeral costs.

Click here to read more on the Martin Cobb tragedy from WWBT.