On Saturday, June 24, 2017, a tragedy involving two teenage friends unfolded in the Riverview neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Edward Hatcher, a 17-year-old male, was found deceased inside an apartment unit located in the 10000 block of Toelle Lane. Police were called to the scene that afternoon following reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Hatcher had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into the shooting quickly identified a suspect
who was present at the residence. Authorities arrested 17-year-old Cliff Edwards, a friend of the victim, in connection with the death. During questioning, Edwards provided a harrowing account of the events leading up to the discharge of the weapon. He admitted to detectives that he had pointed the firearm at Hatcher's head and pulled the trigger. According to his statement, Edwards believed the gun was safe and would not fire because he had removed the magazine, apparently unaware that a round remained in the chamber.
Following his arrest, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office formally charged Edwards on Monday, June 26, 2017. He faced one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of armed criminal action. At the time of the charges, Edwards was ordered held on a $100,000 cash-only bond as the legal proceedings commenced to address the fatal negligence that claimed Hatcher's life.
