A man from Lee will go through a mental health evaluation after shooting his son and a dog at his house. YNN's Madeleine Rivera has more on the story.

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LEE, Mass. -- With a tear running down his cheek, at court, Phap Nguyen looked far from the man who, according to police reports, was shouting that he killed his son the night before.

"This is a terrible family tragedy. He is in a tremendous amount of pain emotionally. And the family is in a tremendous amount of pain," said Jill Sheldon, defense attorney.

Nguyen allegedly shot his son, Jeremy Dean, in his legs and stomach. Both live at 175 Beartown Mountain Road with other family members. Nguyen also shot Dean's dog in the head, killing it. Dean was taken to Berkshire Medical Center where he underwent surgery.

"The only thing I want to say is that it was a tragedy. My son is alive. He's in the hospital. He's going to be okay. And that's all that's important," said Patricia Nguye.

Nguyen pleaded not guilty to assault with intent to murder and animal cruelty. He'll also head to Bridgewater State Hospital for the next 20 days for mental health evaluation.

"We're just starting this. We really need to know what the doctors are going to say. We need more information," said Sheldon.

Nguyen's next court date is January 3rd. State Police are conducting the investigation.