Crime
13-Year-Old Charged with Murder Following Deadly Shooting During Ferguson Track Meet at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley
FERGUSON, Mo. — A 13-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured during a school track meet at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley, authorities announced.
According to court officials, the juvenile suspect faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action.
Due to his age, the suspect’s identity has not been released.
His name will remain confidential unless a juvenile court judge certifies the case for transfer to adult court—a process that can take several months.
A detention hearing is scheduled later this week to determine whether the suspect will remain in juvenile custody.
The presiding judge may elect to close the hearing to the public in accordance with juvenile court procedures.
The shooting occurred Tuesday evening in the parking lot of the school as attendees were leaving a track meet that began earlier in the day around 4:00 p.m. The event included participation from approximately 20 schools.
Officers with the Ferguson Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and discovered multiple victims at the scene.
Two teenage boys had been struck by gunfire and were transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where both underwent emergency surgery.
Authorities confirmed that one victim, a 14-year-old, later died from his injuries.
The second victim, whose age has not been publicly disclosed, remains hospitalized but is expected to recover.
Police took the 13-year-old suspect into custody shortly after the incident. Officials stated that the situation was quickly contained and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District confirmed that none of its students were involved in the shooting.
In a statement, district officials expressed concern over the proximity of the incident to school grounds and emphasized their commitment to safety:
“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 a motive for the shooting.
Authorities indicated that they are reviewing social media activity as part of their efforts to better understand the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional details at this time.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.