The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the shooting death of another 16-year-old male, and authorities believe the incident occurred in Byrnes Mill, Sheriff Dave Marshak said this morning, June 26.
Marshak said the case is still under investigation, and the names of the suspect and victim will not be released because they are juveniles. He also said investigators do not know where the two teenagers are from.
Deputies were called shortly after midnight to the Circle K gas station, 5602 Hwy. PP, in High Ridge about the shooting. Five people, including the victim, were in a vehicle at the gas station, and they told authorities someone had shot into their vehicle, Marshak said.
He said most of the people in the vehicle were teens, but he did not know everyone’s age.
After investigating the incident, deputies suspect the shooting may have occurred at a home in the 3500 block of West Fork Drive in Byrnes Mill.
“It was reported that they were shot at, but that is not what happened,” Marshak said. “We worked through the investigation and ended up back at a residence in Byrnes Mill, where we believe an incident happened.
“We are still working, but evidence suggests a shooting occurred there (at the Byrnes Mill home).”
The victim was taken to an area hospital, where he died, Marshak said.
This is a developing story, and the Leader will report more information when it becomes available.