TOWN OF GENEVA — Michael Meagher, the 8-year-old shot and killed early Monday in the town of Geneva, is being remembered by his Illinois school for his amazing energy and incredible kindness.
Meagher went to Brook Park Elementary School in La Grange Park, Illinois. The district sent the following statement to WGN News.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of second-grade student Michael Meagher. Michael brought amazing energy to life at Brook Park Elementary, where he was known for his incredible kindness and was beloved by all. The entire school community mourns his loss. In the coming weeks and months, we will celebrate Michael’s life. Our focus now is on supporting the Meagher Family and our school community in every possible way during this difficult time.”
Steven D. Merkel Jr., 52, Meagher’s step-father according to news reports, was formally charged Thursday in Walworth County Circuit Court with one count of first-degree reckless homicide, according to court records.
A cash bond was set at $250,000.
Town of Geneva Police Department officers were called out Jan. 20, 2025 for a report of a shooting at 3895 Lincoln Avenue at approximately 2:25 a.m.
When they arrived, police say they found Meagher, who had been shot.
Meagher was transported to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.
According to details in the criminal complaint shared by Fox 6 in Milwaukee, prosecutors allege that Merkel was showing Meagher a handgun at Merkel’s Como subdivision home after removing the magazine. But when Merkel pulled the trigger, the gun fired and shot the boy.
A GoFundMe has been started to raise money for Meagher’s funeral and donations had reached nearly $20,000 as of Friday morning. See the GoFundMe here.
Merkel will be back in court Monday.
