Gun Violence Claims Life of Teen Girl in St. Louis Shootings

ST. LOUIS — Two separate shootings on Monday left a teenage girl dead and a boy injured, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence in the St. Louis area. The incidents occurred just hours apart, raising alarm among local community members and school officials.

One of the victims, a seventh-grade girl, was shot and killed in north St. Louis County on the 10900 block of John James Drive. A 14-year-old boy has been taken into custody, with police indicating they believe the shooting was unintentional.

Later that night, another incident took place when a 13-year-old boy from North Side was shot in the back while sitting in his room on the 5700 block of Goodfellow Place. His father reported that bullets entered their home around 11 PM; the teen is currently hospitalized and on a ventilator but has shown signs of waking up. “He’s critical, but stable,” the father told 5 On Your Side.

Gina Jeffries, principal of North Side Community School, expressed her shock upon learning about the shootings. “Violence, it can hit any family at any given time,” she said, acknowledging the impact on her students. “I want our scholars to know we are a safe place, and if they come here, they’ll get a lot of hugs and a lot of love.”

As school prepares to resume, Jeffries organized a crisis plan to address the emotional well-being of students affected by the violence. On Tuesday morning, a peace circle was held before classes began. Counselors were brought in, and resources for art therapy were made available during lunch for students needing support.

In addition to school responses, community organizations are stepping in to help. Erin Pohl, director of development at a local crime survivor center, noted, “There are massive ripple effects to every bullet that comes out of a gun. It can cause a lot of fear and unsettled feelings or emotions for anyone who is near these bullets.”

Pohl emphasized that the organization provides resources from therapy to support groups for individuals impacted by violence. Jeffries affirmed their commitment, stating, “Our counselors have been in touch with the families; we are ready and able to offer as much support to those families as possible.”

In response to growing gun violence involving teenagers, St. Louis Metropolitan Police reported a gun was found inside a student’s locker at Grand Center Arts Academy earlier that week. An officer was made aware of the unsecured firearm at approximately 9:40 AM. St. Louis police spokesperson Mitch McCoy confirmed that a loaded gun was recovered alongside a backpack and traced back to an 18-year-old student. The student claimed to have carried the gun due to issues with individuals in the community.

This incident marks the second occurrence in two years at the school. Violence interrupters in the community emphasize that the issue of teens carrying firearms is tied to accessibility and fear. Jason Watson, a leader with Show Me Peace, pointed out, “The gun laws, just more accessibility to guns, definitely play a huge role. When I see a child carrying a firearm, it makes me ask the question, ‘What led him or her to that space?’”

Watson indicated plans to launch a youth involvement program by April, aiming to engage teens in positive community actions and leadership roles as a way to combat gun violence. The St. Louis city and county police departments have encouraged anyone with tips about the shootings to contact Crimestoppers at 866-371-TIPS.