Merrillville 3 Year Old Dies After Gun Shot
On 12/4/2023 at approximately 5:45 PM, Merrillville Police Officers were dispatched to the 3100 block of W. 79th Place Merrillville for a gunshot victim, according to Merrillville Police.
Merrillville officers began to rush toward the scene and were advised by Central Dispatch that the victim was a 3-year-old male. Medics arrived on scene first and began to work on the victim in the ambulance before transporting him to a local hospital for treatment.
The 3-year-old male – King Penro was later pronounced deceased by hospital doctors.
Merrillville officers encountered family members of the victim at the residence who had to be restrained due to their emotional state, police stated. Officers were able to calm everyone down and begin to process the scene. A handgun was recovered by officers on scene and only one round was fired, police stated.
Merrillville Detectives were then called to the scene to investigate this incident. At this time, this appears to be an accidental shooting, police said. Family members are cooperating with detectives as they progress in this investigation. This incident is isolated to this residence and there is no threat to the public.
If you have information about this case – please contact Detective E. Meyer at Emeyer@merrillville.in.gov or 219-769-3531 ext. 354. Anonymous tips can be sent to investigations@merrillville.in.gov.
This case will be presented to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review once it has been thoroughly investigated.
The Merrillville Police Department extended their condolences to the family of the victim. “These events impact families and friends as well as the officers who respond to the call. As a reminder, gun safety is something that our department takes very seriously. MPD has gun locks available at the police department for anyone that needs them.”
