A 6-year-old girl was accidentally shot by her 12-year-old brother, an incident which occurred around 10:55 p.m in the first block of Holly Lane in Florissant, St. Louis, U.S.
The first grader identified as Maliyah Palmer, was found with a single gunshot wound to her head and rushed to a local hospital where she later died. The 6-year-old girl who was shot dead by her brother, was being watched by their 16-year-old sister at the time of the shooting. The 12-year-old found a 9mm pistol in a dresser drawer in their parent’s bedroom.
According to Officer Steve Michael, a spokesman for the Florissant Police Department, the police will continue their investigation and turn their findings over to the St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for possible charges, even though the 12-year-old accidentally fired the gun.
Fox reported that Palmer was a student at Green Trails Elementary School in Chesterfield. It was also gathered that officials said no criminal charges will be filed at this time. The school district and police are both calling the death a tragic accident.
“We will meet as a staff before school to process and discuss how we will share this news with students in an age appropriate way,” said Principal Rene Sommers in the letter. “Our goal will be to keep the day and routine normal. We will share the news honestly and openly so that understanding, processing, grieving and healing can begin.”
