ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Following a violent altercation captured on camera near Hazelwood East High School that resulted in 16-year-old Kaylee Gain sustaining a severe head injury, several teenagers are now facing the possibility of assault charges. The incident took place on Friday, March 8, at the intersection of Norgate and Claudine drives after school hours.
A 15-year-old girl has already been arrested on assault charges in connection to the altercation. In a recent development, the St. Louis County Police Department disclosed that eight more teenagers, aged between 14 to 17, have been referred to St. Louis County Family Court for potential assault charges. Among them are five boys and three girls, with the oldest being 17 years old and the youngest being 14. At the time, none of these teenagers were in custody.
In light of these events, the local community and law enforcement officials are deeply concerned. St. Louis County Police Colonel Kenneth L. Gregory emphasized the tragic outcomes of recent incidents involving youth violence, including the Hazelwood East altercation and the fatal stabbing of a middle school student in Jennings. Gregory stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence and promoting healthier conflict resolution methods among young individuals.
The Hazelwood School District revealed additional details about a separate altercation on school premises that preceded the violent encounter leading to Gain’s injury. One student involved in the initial incident was suspended as a result. As a response, the police department and community are mobilizing efforts to engage with young people through various programs aimed at fostering positive interactions and behaviors.
Parents and citizens are urged to engage in discussions with children about the consequences of violence and the importance of seeking help from responsible adults when confronted with potentially violent situations. By working together to prioritize safety and promote non-violent conflict resolution, the community aims to create a safer environment for its youth.
As investigations and legal proceedings unfold, the potential charges against the teenagers involved in the Hazelwood East altercation serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive intervention and support to prevent further incidents of youth violence. The focus remains on fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and safety within the community.