Second-grader Shot and Killed by Stepdad

In Geneva, Wisconsin, eight-year-old Michael Meagher was accidentally shot and killed by his stepfather, 52-year-old Steven Merkel. The mother of Michael’s best friend set up a GoFundMe account. “Our family is heartbroken…My son loved his friend.”

In a statement to detectives, Merkel said that he got a 9mm handgun from his bedroom to show Michael. He took the magazine out, believing the gun wouldn’t fire without it. He then stated that “he walked out of the bedroom and pointed the gun at (Meagher)…pulled the trigger and was expecting it to click, but instead it went ‘boom,’ shooting (Meagher).” Merkel also admitted that he “drank two little drinks of rum and RC that evening.” He has been charged with reckless homicide.

Sources:

Stephanie Quirk, “Town of Geneva Shooting: Steven Merkel Charged in 8-year-old’s Death,” fox6now.com (January 23, 2025).

Nicole Acosta, “Man Accused of Killing Stepson Allegedly Showed Him Guns Because He Wanted to ‘Look Cool’: Complaint,” people.com (January 24, 2025).