Child Murder Charge case emerged after authorities charged a 10-year-old boy in the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old girl in St. Louis.
Police responded to a home in north St. Louis on June 26 after receiving reports of a shooting. Officers arrived shortly after 4 p.m. and found the infant suffering from gunshot injuries. Emergency responders rushed the 7-month-old girl to a nearby hospital, but she died despite medical intervention.
Investigators identified the infant as Kiyomi Parker. Authorities said a 10-year-old boy allegedly used a firearm inside the home during the incident. Officers took the child into juvenile custody soon after the shooting.
Officials later charged the boy with first-degree murder following the investigation. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the suspect’s age. Law enforcement agencies continue to examine how someone accessed and used the firearm inside the residence.
The infant’s father, 19-year-old Ca’Marion Pawnell, also faces serious charges. Prosecutors charged him with second-degree murder and first-degree child endangerment resulting in death. He also faces two additional counts of child endangerment for creating substantial risk.
Authorities allege that someone stored the firearm under a mattress inside the home. Investigators said the 10-year-old boy knew where the weapon was kept. Officials also reported that the child had previously accessed the firearm before the fatal shooting.
Witness accounts included in court documents state that the boy picked up the gun and fired it inside the residence. Investigators confirmed that the bullet struck the infant in the head and caused fatal injuries. Authorities continue to examine how people stored and handled the weapon inside the home.
Police confirmed that another young child was present in the home during the shooting. Officials highlighted this detail as part of broader concerns about supervision and safety inside the residence.
The Child Murder Charge case has raised renewed concerns about firearm storage and child access to weapons. Missouri law restricts juveniles under 12 from being tried as adults, so authorities expect the 10-year-old to face juvenile court proceedings.
Investigators said the father admitted ownership of the firearm and confirmed that he stored it under the mattress. Authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as the case moves through the legal system.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active as they evaluate all contributing factors. The Child Murder Charge case continues to develop as prosecutors assess both juvenile responsibility and adult accountability.
