Posted at: 10/04/2012 5:43 PM
Updated at: 10/04/2012 5:46 PM
By: James Wilcox

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New Documents Reveal Osage Mom Shot 21 Times

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Newly released documents show a then 13-year-old North Iowa boy allegedly shot his mother 21 times before attempting to sexually assault her.

It happened in March at the family's home near Osage. 37-year-old Gretchen Crooks was killed. Her now 14-year-old son Noah is charged in her death. Documents presented during a court hearing this week paint a very gruesome picture of the crime.

The investigation shows Gretchen Crooks was sitting on a couch in the living room using her laptop when police believe her son opened fire on her with a semi-automatic rifle. Shots were fired from 15 feet away, and Crooks was hit 21 times.

Documents show Noah Crooks is the one who called police and stayed on the line until authorities arrived. Gretchen was found partially clothed. Documents allege Noah professed intent to commit sexual abuse, but the act never actually happened. Investigators say Noah had thought about the attack, and it was unprovoked.

Noah's attorney says he plans to use an insanity defense. The teen is being tried as a youthful offender, which is very rare. He's charged with first degree murder and intent to commit sexual abuse. If found guilty, Noah will remain in custody until he is 18. The courts could then decide to keep him detained longer. A trial date hasn't been set.