10-Year Old Boy Shoots and Kills 12-Year-Old Brother While Playing With Gun

A 10-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 12-year-old brother Tuesday night in north St. Louis, according to police.

The shooting took place around 8 p.m. in the 5600 block of Summit Place, near West Florissant Avenue. Authorities told news reporters that the boys were with a parent who was getting a haircut when the 12-year-old boy was shot in the face.

Major Cousins with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said that it was the third incident they’ve had in recent weeks involving minors having access to guns. He continued on by saying: “We do understand people are going to own guns, however, to protect these children, we want to ensure these guns are secured safely.”

Last month, the St. Louis Police Department issued a gun lock program to the community with the goal of reducing gun violence, specifically when children are in the home. Approximately 4,500 gun locks are set to be distributed.

Alderwoman Pamela Boyd said on Tuesday night that she is tired of going to children’s funerals, and wants people to pray for the city of St. Louis. She wants to advocate for responsible gun ownership so these senseless killings stop.

Grief counselors will be available to assist the victims and their families at this time. Neither boy has been identified.