ST. LOUIS – A 10-year-old charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his 7-month-old niece in St. Louis will remain in Missouri’s juvenile justice system because state law does not allow children that young to be prosecuted as adults, court officials said.
The shooting happened Friday night, June 26, 2026, at a home on North Broadway in St. Louis, where police said the infant was shot and killed. The 22nd Circuit Court confirmed that the 10-year-old is currently in the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
Missouri law requires a child to be at least 12 years old before prosecutors can seek to have a case transferred to adult court. As a result, the case against the 10-year-old will proceed entirely through the juvenile system. The Missouri Juvenile Court differs significantly from the adult criminal justice system, with a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and supervision.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Tracy released few details about the investigation but pointed to access to firearms as a key factor.
The victim’s father, 19-year-old Ca’Marion Pawnell, is charged with second-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child resulting in death, and endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk.
According to the probable cause statement, Pawnell left a handgun under a mattress. Investigators say the 10-year-old knew the gun was there and used it to shoot the infant.
If convicted, the 10-year-old could remain in juvenile custody until age 21, meaning the maximum detention period would be about 11 years.
Pawnell made his initial court appearance Monday afternoon, June 29, 2026. He pleaded not guilty and waived his bond hearing. He currently has no bond.
