07-05-2025
11-year-old killed while playing with unsecured guns, MO cops say. Dad charged
National 11-year-old killed while playing with unsecured guns, MO cops say. Dad charged
An 11-year-old was killed while playing with a gun, Missouri police said. His dad was charged.
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An 11-year-old with two guns in his backpack died from an accidental gunshot while playing with the weapon, Missouri police said.
His dad, identified as 39-year-old Marshaun Futrell, Sr., is now charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child after police say they found unsecured firearms in his home, according to a probable cause statement filed May 6.
McClatchy News reached out to Futrell's attorney but did not immediately receive a response.
The father was not at the St. Louis home at the time of the child's death on May 5, family told KTVI. Police searched the residence and found 12 guns, all belonging to the parent, the probable cause statement said.
Some of the guns were 'loaded, unsecured and accessible to the children,' according to police.
Marshaun Futrell, Jr., the child killed while playing with a gun, is remembered as a standout athlete at the Matthews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club, a coach told KSDK.
'Marshaun was a joyful, energetic, and loving child who touched the lives of everyone around him. He had a deep love for sports, especially football and he was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. His smile could light up any room, and his spirit was full of kindness, laughter, and love,' family wrote in a GoFundMe.
A 13-year-old and a 2-year-old were in the home when Marshaun was shot, police said.
Futrell appeared in court on May 7, according to court records.
This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM.
Kate Linderman
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Kate Linderman covers national news for McClatchy's real-time team. She reports on politics and crime and courts news in the Midwest. Kate is a 2023 graduate of DePaul University and is based in Chicago.
