Why did Charlie shoot George?

The reasoning behind Charlie's decision to shoot George is tied intricately to the abusive circumstances surrounding their situation. Charlie's action is driven by his protective instincts toward his mother, who is facing abuse from George. In such a context, parental abuse can create a profound sense of helplessness, prompting children to react violently when they perceive a direct threat to their loved ones. Charlie's response, therefore, is not one of jealousy, self-defense in the traditional sense, or a misguided attempt to impress peers; rather, it is an intense reaction to a situation where he feels compelled to defend his mother from harm. This highlights how systemic issues and family dynamics can lead individuals to make desperate choices, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative in "Just Mercy".