10-Year-Old Boy Charged After 7-Month-Old Baby Fatally Shot in St. Louis, Father Also Arrested

A heartbreaking tragedy in St. Louis has led to criminal charges against both a 10-year-old boy and the infant’s father after a 7-month-old baby girl was fatally shot inside a home.

Authorities say the child, identified as Kiyomi Parker, died after the boy allegedly gained access to an unsecured firearm. Prosecutors have also charged the baby’s father, alleging he failed to safely secure the weapon despite knowing children were present in the home.

The case has reignited conversations about firearm safety and adult responsibility when children have access to guns.

Emergency Call Leads to Tragic Discovery

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to a home on June 25 after receiving reports of a child who had been shot.

When first responders arrived, they found 7-month-old Kiyomi Parker suffering from a gunshot wound.

The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff attempted life-saving treatment. Despite their efforts, she later died from her injuries.

Police Say 10-Year-Old Had Access to Gun

During the investigation, detectives determined the shooting involved a 10-year-old boy who was inside the residence.

According to prosecutors, the child allegedly located a handgun that had not been properly secured before the firearm discharged, striking the infant.

Because Missouri law allows children as young as 10 to face delinquency proceedings in certain serious cases, the boy has been charged in juvenile court in connection with the baby’s death.

Authorities have not released his identity because he is a minor.

Infant’s Father Also Charged

Prosecutors also filed criminal charges against the baby’s father, 35-year-old Antonio Parker.

According to court documents, investigators allege Parker knowingly left the firearm in a location where children could access it.

Authorities claim the 10-year-old knew where the gun was stored and was able to retrieve it without difficulty.

Prosecutors argue the weapon was not properly secured, ultimately creating the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.

Parker now faces charges related to child endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigation Highlights Gun Safety Concerns

Investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including exactly how the firearm was accessed and who was present inside the home at the time.

Authorities have not indicated the shooting was intentional, but prosecutors argue the tragedy could have been prevented had the firearm been stored safely.

Law enforcement officials frequently recommend keeping firearms unloaded, locked in secure storage, and stored separately from ammunition whenever children are present.

Community Mourns Infant’s Death

The death of 7-month-old Kiyomi Parker has left family members and the St. Louis community mourning the loss of a child whose life ended far too soon.

As both criminal and juvenile court proceedings move forward, investigators continue gathering evidence while prosecutors seek accountability for the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.

The juvenile case involving the 10-year-old will proceed through Missouri’s juvenile justice system, while the baby’s father is expected to face separate proceedings in adult criminal court.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue reviewing all evidence connected to the fatal shooting.