10-Year-Old Boy Charged with Murder After 7-Month-Old Baby Fatally Shot in Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Missouri — A 10-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old baby girl in St. Louis, Missouri, in a case that has shocked the community and could mark one of the youngest murder prosecutions in the state’s history.

The victim, Kiyomi Parker, died after being shot inside a home on the 8400 block of North Broadway on June 26, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting shortly after 4 p.m. and found the infant suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.

10-Year-Old Charged with First-Degree Murder

Police say a 10-year-old boy was taken into juvenile custody after investigators identified him as the suspected shooter.

Authorities have since charged the child with first-degree murder in juvenile court.

Local media reports indicate the case could make the boy one of the youngest individuals ever charged with murder in Missouri.

Investigators allege the child told detectives he accessed a firearm that had been stored inside the home before the shooting occurred.

Court documents reportedly state that the boy had previously handled the weapon and knew exactly where it was kept.

Infant’s Father Also Faces Charges

The baby’s father, Ca’Marion Pawnell, 19, has also been charged in connection with the incident.

According to prosecutors, Pawnell faces charges including:

• Second-degree murder
• First-degree child endangerment resulting in the death of a child
• Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child

Investigators allege that the firearm used in the shooting belonged to Pawnell and had been hidden underneath a mattress inside the home.

Police say he admitted ownership of the gun during questioning.

Investigators Detail Shooting

According to the probable cause statement, witnesses told police the 10-year-old picked up the firearm and shot the infant in the head.

Authorities further allege that the child knew where the weapon was stored and believed it would remain accessible for a long period.

A 7-year-old child was also reportedly inside the residence when the shooting occurred, although no other injuries were reported.

Juvenile Court Proceedings Expected

Under Missouri law, children under the age of 12 generally cannot be certified to stand trial as adults in criminal cases.

As a result, legal proceedings against the 10-year-old are expected to take place within the juvenile justice system.

Meanwhile, prosecutors continue pursuing criminal charges against Pawnell over allegations that he failed to securely store the firearm, allowing a child to access it.

Investigation Ongoing

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about firearm safety and the importance of securely storing guns in homes where children are present.

Authorities have urged gun owners to keep firearms unloaded, locked away, and inaccessible to minors to help prevent similar incidents.