ST. LOUIS — A 15-year-old boy was shot in the head Thursday afternoon inside a home in south St. Louis' Marine Villa neighborhood.
Editor's note: The above video is from Jan. 26.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting happened shortly before 2:30 p.m. on the 3800 block of Missouri Avenue.
Officers arrived to find the boy shot in the head. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
According to police, a witness said the 15-year-old was holding a gun and attempted to load a bullet into the chamber when the gun discharged and struck him.
A 5 On Your Side photojournalist at the scene saw a person in handcuffs being placed into a patrol car.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.