ST. PETERSBURG, FL (2-minute read) – A tragic incident occurred in St. Petersburg, where an 11-year-old boy, Amir Williams, was fatally shot by his 14-year-old brother. The incident happened at their home on 43rd Street South while the siblings were home alone on a school holiday.
Police arrived at the scene to discover Amir with a fatal gunshot wound, pronounced dead at the scene. The 14-year-old brother admitted to finding the firearm in an alley and the family did not know it was in their home. This firearm was later identified as one stolen from a vehicle on April 24. Their mother, informed of the shooting, was involved in a car crash while rushing home but sustained only minor injuries.
Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev of the St. Pete Police described the event as a “community tragedy,” stressing the dangers of accessible firearms, especially those stolen from vehicles—a recurring issue in the area. The local police are investigating how the teenager came into possession of the gun.
Amir, known for his role as a running back for the St. Pete Little Devils and a student at Azalea Middle School, was remembered by his family and friends as a joyful and playful child. The community mourns the loss, highlighting the need for preventive measures to restrict youth access to firearms.
Firearm Safety Tip: Always ensure that firearms are securely stored and inaccessible to children. Regularly check to confirm that any firearm in your home is accounted for and properly secured.
