10-Year-Old Boy Charged With Murder in Missouri

• Baby died from a gunshot wound in Missouri child murder case.
• 10-year-old faces a murder charge.
• Victim’s father has also been charged.

A 10-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities said he allegedly shot a 7-month-old baby girl in the head in Missouri.

The shooting occurred on June 26 at approximately 4:00 p.m., according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Officers responded to a home near the Baden neighborhood, located about four miles northwest of downtown St. Louis.

When they arrived, they found the infant suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

10-Year-Old Charged in Baby’s Death

St. Louis boy, 11, is ordered held in mental hospital after he allegedly murdered seven-month-old baby girl by shooting her dead https://t.co/ijrJa2zpKJ

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) July 1, 2026

Police officers immediately transported the baby to a hospital. Despite efforts by medical staff and responding officers, the infant died.

Authorities identified the victim as Kiyomi Parker.

According to the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that the fatal shot was fired by a 10-year-old boy.

The child was taken into custody at the scene.

On June 30, Sergeant Sean Mazzola confirmed to USA TODAY that the boy had been charged with first-degree murder.

The case will proceed in juvenile court, where he faces the felony charge.

USA TODAY said it is withholding the identity of the juvenile in accordance with its policy regarding minors accused of crimes.

Investigation Focuses on How the Child Obtained the Gun

A 10-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 7-month-old niece, according to court officials. https://t.co/b4R2j2squg

— ABC News (@ABC) July 1, 2026

Authorities are also investigating how the child gained access to the firearm used in the shooting.

According to a probable cause affidavit, another 7-year-old child was inside the home when the shooting occurred.

Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive.

During a news conference following the incident, St. Louis Police Chief Robert J. Tracy expressed his sorrow.

«It breaks your heart to see something like this,» Tracy said.

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«That firearm was accessible, and it should never have been,» the police chief added.
Investigators believe the gun belonged to the baby’s father.

Court documents state that the firearm was stored underneath a mattress in one of the home’s bedrooms.

According to the affidavit, the 10-year-old told investigators he knew where the gun was kept.

He also stated that he had access to it for a long period of time.

The documents further indicate that the child admitted he had previously removed and handled the firearm.

Baby’s Father Also Faces Criminal Charges

The victim’s father, Ca’Marion Pawnell, 19, of East St. Louis, was arrested following the shooting.

Authorities allege that the child used Pawnell’s firearm to shoot and kill the baby, who was his daughter.

Court records show that Pawnell has been charged with second-degree murder.

He also faces a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the relationship between Pawnell and the 10-year-old boy.

It was also not immediately known whether Pawnell has legal representation.

According to online court records, his preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the shooting as the investigation into the Missouri child murder case continues.