Tragic Loss in North County: 11-Year-Old Marshaun “Legend” Futrell Fatally Shot, Father Charged with Child Endangerment
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (May 6, 2025) — A community is in mourning after the heartbreaking loss of 11-year-old Marshaun Futrell Jr., affectionately known by many as “Legend,” who was fatally shot Monday evening in what investigators are calling a preventable and tragic incident involving unsecured firearms in a family home.
The St. Louis County Police Department confirmed that the child’s father, 38-year-old Marshaun Futrell Sr., has been arrested and formally charged in connection with his son’s death. Authorities have filed three felony charges against him: one count of first-degree child endangerment resulting in death, and two additional counts of first-degree child endangerment due to the presence of other children in the home.
Emergency Response and Tragic Discovery
Officers from the North County Precinct were dispatched to the 1800 block of Longford Drive at approximately 8:14 p.m. on Monday, following reports of a shooting at a private residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered young Marshaun Jr. suffering from a critical gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital where doctors attempted emergency life-saving measures. Tragically, he was later pronounced dead.
“This is one of the most devastating calls an officer can respond to,” said a department spokesperson. “The loss of a child under such circumstances is a pain that ripples across families, schools, and entire communities.”
Witness Statement Reveals Startling Details
As the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons took over the investigation, officers interviewed a 13-year-old witness who was present at the time of the shooting. The witness informed investigators that Marshaun Jr. had brought two firearms to the residence, hidden in his backpack. He had reportedly been playing with the guns when one discharged, striking him fatally.
The chilling account raised immediate red flags regarding how the child gained access to the weapons.
A search of the home revealed a disturbing total of 12 firearms, many of which were loaded and left unsecured. In addition to the 13-year-old, a 2-year-old child was also found to be in the home during the time of the incident.
“This level of negligence is unfathomable,” said County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell in a press briefing. “We are not only talking about an 11-year-old child who lost his life but a home that was essentially a powder keg. This could have been even worse.”
Charges and Legal Action
Marshaun Futrell Sr. was arrested at the scene without incident. He was later booked into the St. Louis County Justice Center, where he is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. Prosecutors allege that his failure to properly store and secure firearms directly led to the death of his son and endangered the lives of the two other minors in the home.
Court documents indicate that this was not the first instance of firearms being freely accessible in the household, and further investigation is underway to determine whether additional charges may be filed.
Community Reaction and Calls for Accountability
The death of Marshaun Jr. has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially among educators, neighbors, and classmates who knew him as “Legend,” a nickname that reflected his energetic personality and passion for life. A memorial with candles, balloons, and photos has begun to grow outside the family’s home, with neighbors expressing sorrow and outrage in equal measure.
“This is a tragedy that should never have happened,” said Reverend Lisa Thompson of a nearby church. “We have to do better when it comes to keeping our children safe. Guns do not belong in reach of children—period.”
Gun safety advocates are also calling for legislative reforms and increased public education on secure firearm storage. “This incident underscores the deadly consequences of gun negligence,” said Myesha Taylor, a local Moms Demand Action organizer. “We grieve with this family and demand change.”
Ongoing Investigation
The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons continues to lead the investigation. Officials have urged anyone with additional information about the case or the family’s history with law enforcement to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the loss of a young life full of potential. Eleven-year-old Marshaun “Legend” Futrell Jr. is being remembered as a bright, spirited child whose future was senselessly cut short.
“Our hearts are broken,” said one family member who asked not to be named. “He was just a boy. He didn’t deserve this.”
The story of Marshaun Jr. is a sobering reminder of how crucial it is to prioritize gun safety and responsible parenting. His memory now becomes a call to action.