On February 27, 2020, 15-year-old Malachi DaJuan Jeffries was fatally shot in Hazelwood, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. The incident occurred in a residential area, where first responders arrived to find the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, Jeffries succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, investigators determined that the discharge of the weapon appeared to be unintentional.
Police arrested 18-year-old Timmy Nguyen in connection with the death. According to charging documents, Nguyen was handling a 9mm Taurus handgun, specifically loading and unloading it, when the weapon fired, striking Jeffries. Authorities noted that Nguyen and the victim were family friends.
Prosecutors with the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office subsequently charged Nguyen with involuntary manslaughter in the first degree and armed criminal action. Nguyen reportedly admitted to his involvement in the events leading to Jeffries' death and directed officers to the location of the firearm. His bond was initially set at $30,000.
