The victim was identified as 9-year-old Michael Meagher. (Image: GoFundMe)
A nine-year-old boy was reportedly killed by his own stepfather in a shocking that left police officers at the scene shaken.
Police officers from the Lake Geneva Police Department were called to the scene of a reported shooting at a residence in the early hours of Monday morning. Steven Merkel Jr, 52, was swiftly arrested by officers at the scene and later charged with first-degree reckless before booking him into the Walworth County jail, according to
Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency teams the victim, now identified as Michael Meagher from Wisconsin, died after being transported to a local hospital. Merkel was the boy’s stepdad and lived at the address on Lincoln Avenue where the shooting occurred.
Police have not yet disclosed any further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting, or a motive. Geneva Police Chief Anthony Miceli said it was a traumatic scene for his officers. “It’s a hard scene for any officer; you never want to see that,” Miceli said.
The GoFundMe has raised over $14,000 so far (Image: GoFundMe)
Following his tragic death, relatives of Michael Meagher have come together to start a to help with funeral arrangements. The page has, at the time of publication, already raised over $14,000 so far., reports
A message from a family friend on the page reads: “Micheal, My sons best friend passed away today from a very traumatic accident of a gunshot. Our family is heartbroken. I want to try to help this family in any way that I can. Michael was nine-years-old and a bright funny boy! My son loved his friend.”