Maliyah Palmer, a 6-year-old girl, tragically lost her life on Friday, December 14, 2018, in Florissant, Missouri. The young girl was a first-grader at Green Trails Elementary School. On the evening of her death, Maliyah and her 12-year-old brother were at home under the supervision of their 16-year-old sister while their parents attended a Christmas party.
The devastating incident occurred when her brother discovered a 9mm handgun in their parents' bedroom dresser.
He accidentally discharged the weapon, and a single round struck Maliyah in the head. Emergency services were called to the family's home on Holly Lane just before 11 p.m. Maliyah was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically, she succumbed to her injuries.
The Florissant Police Department investigated the shooting, initially describing it as a tragic accident. While early statements suggested no charges would be filed, the case was to be reviewed by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's office and St. Louis County Family Court. Ultimately, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney announced that he did not intend to file charges in the case. The community mourned the loss of the young girl, with her school providing counselors to support students and staff.
