ST. LOUIS — A 12-year-old boy shot his mother's boyfriend in the head early Tuesday morning, St. Louis police said.
According to St. Louis police, the couple was arguing at a home on the 3800 block of Sullivan Avenue just before 12:50 Tuesday morning. Police said the boy grabbed a shotgun, walked into the room and shot the man in the head.
Police said the victim was taken to an area hospital, where he remained with "stable" vital signs.
Police said the 12-year-old boy ran away from the home after the shooting. He later turned himself in to officers at the Central Patrol Division while accompanied by his mother.
The 12-year-old was charged in juvenile court Monday with first-degree assault and was detained.
A nearby neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said she constantly hears arguments at that home and Tuesday morning was no exception.
She explained that while the boyfriend is nice, she has seen him be extremely verbally abusive to the mom and children on multiple occasions.
Eddie Ross was taken aback by the news of the suspected shooter.
"It's horrible," he said.
He is the founder of the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, which began 10 years ago to help women and children facing domestic violence.
Ross aims to empower children to prevent violence from repeating.
"The 12-year-old, he was obviously at a breaking point. To be placed in a situation when you have to be a protector of your mom and make such a life changing decision, I'm sure he's scared. It really breaks my heart, I can imagine what he has been going through and endured, what has he seen," Ross added.
Now, their program 'Real Men Don't Hit' is reaching kids and teens.
The program is working with all Hazelwood schools and others in the area.
"We build a curriculum to help with prevention and intervention to raise awareness about the youth and how to cope with certain things," he added. "You can show them you can make it out, it is very huge to give them hope, options and resources."
To reach the organization, the number is 314-328-4348 and the emergency hotline is 1-800-799-7233 or TEXT "LOVEIS" to 22522.
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.
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