ST. LOUIS — A 4-year-old girl died after a sibling shot her at a north St. Louis home late Monday night.

Police say four children under the age of 10 were alone at a home on Thrush Ave. while the girl's mother was at the store.

A child called 9-1-1 and officers found the wounded child unconscious and barely breathing.

The 4-year-old was rushed in a police car to a hospital. The mother showed up at the hospital.

Police did reveal Tuesday that they believe the mother owned the firearm used in the shooting. Investigators also are trying to determine who was responsible for watching the children.

No charges are expected Tuesday in connection with the child's death. 

Across the St. Louis metropolitan area, 15 children age 17 or younger have died from gunfire in 2024, according to Post-Dispatch records.

During a Tuesday afternoon press briefing, police spokesperson Mitch McCoy stressed this was a preventable death, reminding the public of the importance of using gun locks.