13-Year-Old Charged with Murder After LaJuan Swopes Killed in Shooting Outside Ferguson Track Meet at STEAM Academy at McCluer South

A 13-year-old has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting that left 14-year-old LaJuan Swopes dead and another teenager injured Tuesday evening outside STEAM Academy at McCluer South in Ferguson, Missouri.

The incident occurred following the Rod Staggs Freshman-Sophomore Track and Field Invitational, which included participation from approximately 20 schools. Ferguson Police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the school parking lot around 4:00 p.m., discovering multiple victims at the scene.

Swopes, a student at Brittany Woods Middle School, was pronounced dead after being transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. A second teen, whose age has not been publicly released, also suffered gunshot wounds but is expected to recover.

Suspect Charged

Authorities quickly took a 13-year-old juvenile suspect into custody. The suspect faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action.

Due to his age, the suspect’s identity is confidential and will remain so unless a juvenile court judge certifies the case for transfer to adult court—a process that could take several months. A detention hearing is scheduled later this week to determine whether the suspect will remain in juvenile custody, with the possibility of a closed hearing to the public.

Community and Family Impact

Lisa LaGrone, a gun violence advocate with Safe Streets, Safe Neighborhoods, described Swopes as a “pretty good kid” who stayed busy and out of trouble with the support of his mother. LaGrone said Swopes was preparing to graduate and had a birthday coming up, highlighting his positive role in his family and community.

Swopes is survived by four siblings. LaGrone noted the tragedy is compounded by previous family loss: their father was murdered in 2020. “I think the loss of LaJuan is going to really affect his siblings. His oldest brother is really angry right now,” she said.

LaGrone also suggested that social media may have played a role in the shooting. “They don’t have a lot for these kids to do, so basically they’re living their lives off Facebook…that’s what caused a lot of this,” she said.

School and District Response

The University City School District confirmed that both victims attended Brittany Woods Middle School. Ferguson-Florissant School District officials emphasized that none of its students were involved in the shooting.

In a statement, district officials said:

“We understand that situations like this can feel unsettling, and we are saddened to have something happen so close to our schools. We are grateful to our local law enforcement partners for their quick action. The safety of our students and staff will continue to be our top priority.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting but are reviewing social media activity to better understand the circumstances. Police said the situation was quickly contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Swopes’ family, friends, and the Ferguson community are mourning the loss of the young teenager. The other teen injured is expected to make a full recovery.