Crime & Safety
Boy From La Grange Park School Fatally Shot In Wisconsin
His stepfather has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide.
BROOKFIELD, IL – A Brookfield boy was shot and killed Monday near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with his stepfather accused of murder, authorities said.
Nine-year-old Michael Meagher attended Brook Park Elementary School in La Grange Park. His stepfather, 52-year-old Steven Merkel of Lake Geneva, was charged with first-degree reckless homicide.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family. As of Thursday morning, $17,000 had been raised. The money is earmarked for the boy's funeral arrangements.
Find out what's happening in La Grangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to the page, Michael's two sisters are Marissa and Madeline.
Deaths by gun are far more prevalent in the United States than in other countries. In 2023, 46,728 such deaths were reported in the U.S. By contrast, Japan suffered just seven.
Find out what's happening in La Grangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.