LaJuan Swopes was a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Brittany Woods Middle School who was shot and killed on the evening of March 31, 2026, in Ferguson, Missouri. He had run a lawn care business with his brothers and cousins and was at a high school track meet at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School to cheer on friends and family and possibly try out for track in high school.

As the meet ended, an altercation in the school parking lot escalated; some teenagers squared off while others recorded the scene. A gun was drawn and shots were fired. LaJuan was struck and later died at the hospital; a 15-year-old was also shot and left in critical condition. Police arrested a 13-year-old suspect a block away and recovered a handgun. That juvenile has been charged in family court with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action, and was ordered to remain in custody. Authorities say they are not seeking other suspects. The motive remains under investigation.

LaJuan’s mother, already grieving the 2020 death of her children’s father and the family’s house fire the prior year, has said she wants to forgive the accused and called him a baby because of his age. Community leaders are planning forums to address youth violence. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew LaJuan, please share what you know.