Crime
14-year-old LaJuan Swopes killed after shooting outside STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School in Ferguson
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 14-year-old has died and another juvenile remains in serious condition following a shooting Tuesday evening in the parking lot of STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley in Ferguson, authorities confirmed.
A 13-year-old suspect is currently in custody.
According to the Ferguson Police Department, the incident occurred as attendees were leaving a track meet that began earlier in the day at approximately 4 p.m.
The event, hosted at the school, involved participation from approximately 20 schools.
Police responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot area and located multiple victims.
Early Wednesday, officials confirmed that one of those victims, a 14-year-old LaJuan Swopes, succumbed to their injuries.
Another juvenile, whose age has not been publicly released, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Authorities have taken a 13-year-old into custody in connection with the shooting. No additional details regarding charges have been released at this time.
Ferguson Police spokesperson Patricia Washington stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, emphasizing that the situation was quickly contained.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District confirmed that none of its students were involved in the incident.
In a statement, district officials expressed concern over the proximity of the violence to school grounds:
“We understand that situations like this can feel unsettling, and we are saddened to have something happen so close to our schools. We are grateful to our local law enforcement partners for their quick action. The safety of our students and staff will continue to be our top priority.”
Investigators have not yet determined what led to the shooting.
Authorities indicated that they are reviewing social media activity as part of efforts to establish a possible motive.
The investigation remains ongoing.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 27-year-old Monroe Township man has been charged in connection with the death of 15-year-old Trenton Grant and the serious injuries suffered by the teenager’s mother and stepfather following a violent stabbing incident in Monroe Township, Michigan.
Tyson Alexander Grant faces six criminal charges stemming from an incident reported during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 17, in the 1200 block of Raintree Boulevard, according to Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery A. Yorkey.
The charges include open murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of carjacking, and one count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer or other first responder.
According to the prosecutor’s office, each of the first five charges carries a maximum possible penalty of life in prison. The charge of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer or first responder carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine.
Authorities were dispatched to the Raintree Boulevard area on October 17 after receiving a report of a stabbing.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered multiple people suffering from lacerations and stab wounds. They also found the body of 15-year-old Trenton Grant.
Several people were transported to a hospital for treatment. Investigators subsequently began treating the teenager’s death as a homicide.
The incident prompted a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing and the injuries sustained by the other victims.
Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the nature of the relationship, if any, between Tyson Alexander Grant and the victims.
According to the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Tyson Alexander Grant is currently hospitalized in Lucas County, Ohio, with injuries stemming from the incident.
Prosecutors intend to seek his extradition to Monroe County after he is discharged from the hospital so the criminal proceedings can move forward.
As of the latest information provided by prosecutors, a date for Grant’s initial court appearance has not been scheduled.
The six charges reflect the allegations filed against Grant. The case remains subject to the judicial process, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Authorities have not provided additional details about the events leading up to the stabbing or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s injuries.
The investigation and court proceedings are expected to provide further information as the case develops.