A 10-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting a seven-month-old baby girl to death with a firearm he reportedly found under a mattress in a home in St. Louis, Missouri.
The tragic incident occurred on the afternoon of June 20, when the boy allegedly shot the infant, identified as Kiyomi Pawnell-Parker, in the head.
Police officers who responded to the scene rushed the baby to a nearby hospital in a patrol vehicle, but she was pronounced dead despite efforts to save her.
Authorities said the child suspect was taken into custody and later charged with first-degree murder.
The baby's 19-year-old father, Ca'Marion Pawnell, was also arrested in connection with the incident.
According to investigators, Pawnell faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree child endangerment resulting in death, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child by creating a substantial risk.
Court documents reportedly state that Pawnell admitted owning the firearm and told investigators he had stored it beneath a mattress in one of the bedrooms.
Police said the 10-year-old was aware of where the gun was kept and admitted that he had previously removed it to play with it.
Investigators also alleged that the boy confessed to accidentally shooting the baby.
A seven-year-old child was reportedly inside the home at the time of the incident. Authorities have not disclosed the relationship between Pawnell and the other children who were present.
The infant's mother, Janyla Parker, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and related expenses following the devastating loss.
In an emotional message shared on the fundraising page, Parker said she never imagined she would be planning her daughter's funeral instead of watching her grow.
“At just 19 years old, I never imagined I would be planning my seven-month-old daughter's funeral instead of watching her grow,” she wrote.
“My precious baby, Kiyomi Pawnell-Parker, was taken from me far too soon due to a senseless act of gun violence. No parent should ever have to experience this kind of heartbreak.”
She described her daughter's death as an unimaginable loss and thanked those who have offered financial and emotional support during the difficult period.
Meanwhile, Pawnell's family revealed that the 19-year-old had recently graduated from East St. Louis High School in Illinois and had been preparing to begin college before the incident.
Police say investigations into the fatal shooting are ongoing.