12-year old St. Louis boy shot with gun found in alley

Armond Jefferson, age 12

12-year old Armond Jefferson was visiting the home of his 18-year old cousin when the two went out to take out the trash, in St. Louis, Missouri.  That's when they found a handgun hidden behind the trash can.  They decided to bring the gun inside, but it discharged, apparently in the hands of the 18-year old, injuring the 12-year old.  He is expected to recover.  The 18-year old has been taken for questioning.

From the article:

A cousin, Shonette Conner, said the victim, identified as Armond Jefferson, was with his 18-year-old cousin when they found a gun in an alley behind the home on Pennsylvania where there older boy lives.

She said the gun was behind a trash can, like it had been hidden.

The boys brought the gun inside the home where it discharged.

Conner says Jefferson, a north St. Louis County resident, was shot in the side, but is listed in stable condition at an area hospital.  His family says he is alert and able to communicate. 

The 18-year-old cousin was taken into custody for questioning.

There's no word on whether he will face any charges.

From a related article and video:

"He's better; he was shot in the stomach and it went into his side," said Almanda Conner, Armond's mother.  "But he's doing better; they did the surgery.  It went good."

She commented on the circumstances surrounding her son's shooting.

"I think they found it in the alley," said Almanda.  "I haven't got the whole story yet, but from what I hear they found it in the alley.  It's crazy, it's ridiculous."

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