Walter Maco is facing charges after his 7-year-old grandson shot and killed himself with a gun that Macon had left unattended. The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning outside an apartment complex located in Berkeley, Missouri. According to authorities, Macon was loading studio equipment into his truck when he allowed his grandson to enter the backseat. Instructing the child to climb to the front seat, Macon left him unattended for approximately 5 minutes.
During this time, the young boy discovered a loaded .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun, which belonged to Macon and was positioned between the driver’s seat and the center console. Upon Macon’s return to the truck, he found his grandson with a gunshot wound to the head.
Macon admitted to knowing that the gun was in the truck when he allowed his grandson inside. St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, who was present at the scene, expressed concern over the increasing number of shootings involving children in the region. Bell emphasized the need for legislation at all levels of government to address these incidents.
The father of the 7-year-old victim, Deontrell Macon, spoke out about the loss of his son, expressing his belief that he should have been the one to suffer instead. Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital revealed that they had treated 28 children for gunshot wounds this year alone, with some cases resembling the tragic accident described by Macon.
Macon explained that he was asleep upstairs when his son tragically lost his life. The child had been under the care of Macon’s father, who had left his truck unlocked with the gun on the front seat. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell noted that approximately 15% of the cases they handle involve accidental shootings, emphasizing the urgent need for responsible gun ownership.