St. Louis Father Faces Murder Charge After Infant Daughter Killed by Child Who Found Hidden Gun

A 19-year-old man is accused of felony murder after his baby daughter died when a 10-year-old discovered a pistol stashed under a bed mattress.

St. Louis Father Faces Murder Charge After Infant Daughter Killed by Child Who Found Hidden Gun

A teenage parent in Missouri is facing homicide charges after his seven-month-old daughter died from a gunshot wound inflicted by a primary-school-aged child.

Nineteen-year-old Ca'Marion Pawnell has been charged with second-degree felony murder, child endangerment resulting in a fatality, and two additional counts of creating substantial risk to minors, according to First Alert 4.

The tragedy unfolded around 4 p.m. on Friday at a residence on North Broadway in the Baden area of St. Louis.

Emergency responders found the wounded infant and immediately transported her to a nearby hospital using a police cruiser. An officer seated in the back attempted resuscitation while the vehicle navigated through traffic with assistance from colleagues. Medical staff were unable to save her.

Those present at the home told law enforcement that a boy aged ten had located the weapon and discharged it, hitting the baby. Another child, aged seven, was also in the dwelling when the incident occurred.

The older child informed detectives that he was aware of the firearm's hiding place beneath a bedroom mattress and that it had been accessible to him for some time. He admitted to having previously removed and handled the weapon.

When questioned, Pawnell confirmed ownership of the pistol and acknowledged storing it in the exact location described by the boy.

He is currently detained without bail.

The ten-year-old is now facing first-degree murder proceedings in the juvenile justice system. Reports indicate this may be the youngest defendant ever charged with homicide in Missouri.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)