ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO — Community Devastated by Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old Du’wan Morgan After Stray Bullet Enters His Home
October 12, 2025 | St. Louis County, Missouri — The St. Louis community is grappling with unimaginable grief following the tragic and senseless death of 14-year-old Du’wan Morgan, whose young life was violently cut short on Wednesday evening, October 8. What began as a quiet night in the Morgan household turned into a nightmare no family should ever endure.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the shooting occurred around 6:45 p.m. in the 9600 block of Hobkirk Drive, a residential area in north St. Louis County. Du’wan was inside his bedroom, playing video games — a routine and innocent part of his daily life — when a single bullet, fired from outside the home, pierced the wall and struck him.
First responders were called to the scene moments later. Du’wan was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The gunshot that took his life was not aimed at him — he was an unintended victim of what police are calling a drive-by shooting or nearby gunfire incident. As of Sunday, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
A Life Cut Tragically Short
Du’wan Morgan was a bright, curious, and loving young man, known to friends and family for his radiant smile, his deep love for video games, and his dreams of one day becoming a computer engineer. A freshman at Riverview Gardens High School, he had already begun planning his future — a future now stolen from him, his family, and the community that raised him.
“He wasn’t in the streets, he wasn’t causing trouble — he was just a kid in his room playing video games,” said Du’wan’s mother, Latrice Morgan, through tears. “We were just getting dinner ready. One minute he was laughing, and the next… he was gone.”
Neighbors described the Morgans as a quiet, close-knit family. The sudden loss of their only son has sent shockwaves not only through the block but throughout the entire community.
“This could’ve been any of our children,” said family friend and neighbor, Angela Turner. “We’re tired of saying ‘not again.’ We’re tired of lighting candles. This violence has to stop.”
A Community in Mourning
A makeshift memorial now stands outside the Morgan home, with candles, teddy bears, photos, and handwritten notes left by classmates, teachers, and neighbors. Vigils have been held nightly since the shooting, as loved ones gather to honor Du’wan’s life and demand justice.
“Fourteen years old — he didn’t even get a chance to live,” said Pastor Maurice Bell, who spoke at Friday night’s candlelight vigil. “We should be talking about his first homecoming dance, not planning his funeral.”
Local leaders have also expressed their outrage and sorrow, calling the incident yet another reminder of the gun violence epidemic plaguing communities across Missouri and the nation.
“We are devastated by the senseless loss of Du’wan Morgan,” said St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days. “This was a child in his own home — the one place he should’ve been safe.”
Ongoing Investigation
The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is handling the case and has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
“We need the community’s help,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Tracy Panus. “Someone knows something. A child’s life has been taken — please do the right thing.”
Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and canvassing the neighborhood for eyewitness accounts. No motive has been confirmed, and police have not yet said whether the home was the intended target or caught in random gunfire.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Remembering Du’wan
Family members describe Du’wan as soft-spoken but full of life, a kid who loved anime, chicken nuggets, skateboarding, and his little cousins. He looked up to his older sister, adored his grandparents, and was always eager to help others — whether it was carrying groceries or tutoring classmates in math.
“He loved hard and dreamed big,” said his aunt, Marcia Morgan. “He wanted to go to college, work in tech, and someday buy his mama a house. He was our pride and joy.”
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and offer support to the grieving family. The fundraiser has already seen thousands of dollars in donations and messages from strangers across the country.
Call for Change
As the Morgan family begins to navigate life without their son, community leaders are renewing calls for action on gun violence. They are urging elected officials to implement stricter gun laws, fund youth programs, and expand community policing efforts.
“If a child isn’t safe inside his own bedroom, then where is he safe?” asked activist Damon Hollins of the St. Louis Violence Prevention Coalition. “How many more families have to bury their babies before we say enough is enough?”
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial
Du’wan’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 18, at Greater Grace Church in St. Louis. A public viewing will precede the service. The family has asked attendees to wear blue, Du’wan’s favorite color, in his memory.
The service will include remarks from school officials, clergy, and friends — many of whom are still struggling to comprehend the loss.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Du’wan D. Morgan
2011 – 2025
A son, a brother, a dreamer, a gamer, a light gone far too soon.
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