PEORIA, Ill. – A juvenile taken to the hospital in critical condition Monday following a shooting near Quest Charter Academy has died.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says Merian Smith, 15, was pronounced brain dead Wednesday morning at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center.
Smith was one of two juveniles hurt during the shooting.
Police still have no suspects and an investigation continues.
It would mark the city’s 22nd homicide this year.
Harwood says in an e-mail child deaths are difficult, but it’s, quote, “even more heartbreaking” when gun violence is the cause.
