With heavy hearts, the St. Louis community is mourning the tragic loss of 6-year-old Antone Little, whose young life was cut short following a devastating shooting incident in St. Louis County.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, officers from the North County Precinct responded around 2:25 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, to a reported shooting in the 400 block of Midlothian Road. Upon arriving at the residence, officers discovered young Antone suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Emergency responders rushed the child to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition as doctors fought tirelessly to save his life.
Despite every effort made by medical staff, authorities confirmed that Antone tragically succumbed to his injuries at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday morning, May 29, 2026. His heartbreaking death has left family members, loved ones, friends, and the entire community devastated as they struggle to process the unimaginable loss of a child whose life had only just begun.
Investigators later recovered the firearm involved in the shooting at the scene. According to court documents, 19-year-old Arquez Phipps of St. Louis was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the First Degree involving serious physical injury. Authorities stated that Phipps allegedly admitted the firearm belonged to him and had been hidden loaded between a mattress and box spring inside the home. Officials also stated that the child reportedly shot himself accidentally.
Phipps is currently being held on a $20,000 cash-only bond with no 10% option. Authorities emphasized that criminal charges are accusations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The heartbreaking loss of Antone Little has deeply impacted the St. Louis community. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are remembering him as an innocent child whose smile, joy, and presence brought happiness to those around him. His sudden passing has left overwhelming grief and sorrow for everyone who knew and loved him.
As detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, community members are rallying around Antone’s grieving family with prayers, condolences, and support during this incredibly painful time.
Though his life was tragically brief, Antone Little will forever be remembered, deeply loved, and sadly missed by all whose hearts he touched.
