July 1, 2021 – 9:57 p.m.
A 4-year-old boy who died in Jennings Wednesday got ahold of a gun that was illegally in his home, St. Louis County police confirmed Thursday.
The department released the update, while announcing charges against a suspect.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Devonte Carter, 25, with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Officers from the Jennings Precinct responded to Carter’s home in the 5400 block of Hamilton Avenue Wednesday morning after someone called for help. Police arrived to find 4-year-old Devonte Carter Jr. had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Carter Sr. left a loaded 40 caliber handgun in a dresser. They believe Devonte Jr. got ahold of the gun and shot himself.
Carter Sr. is a convicted felon, meaning he should not have been in possession of a gun, police said. He was previously convicted on a felony count of possessing a controlled substance in November 2019.
Carter Sr. is being held on a $250,000 cash-only, no 10% bond.
