ST. LOUIS — A 12-year-old girl arrived at an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the stomach Sunday morning, and police now say the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting happened on the 4000 block of Germania Avenue. According to a preliminary investigation, she was inside of her closet when a handgun discharged.
Her parents took her to the hospital at around 11 a.m., at which time police were notified and began an investigation.
Police initially said they believed the shooting was accidental. In an update Sunday afternoon, they said the gunshot wound was self-inflicted and unintentional.
The girl had stable vital signs while being treated at the hospital Sunday afternoon. The Child Abuse Unit was handling the investigation.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
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.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to “stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.” One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
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.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/
