Two suspects tried to break into the home twice before on Thursday. One of the suspects got into the unlocked front door of the home at around 2:30pm while the 11-year-old and a 4-year-old girl were home alone. That is when the 11-year-old shot and killed the suspect.  Police found the body with a gunshot to the head in the front foyer of the home.

Investigators say the second suspect ran off when shots were fired.  St. Louis County police have taken the suspect into custody.  They have not yet released the suspect’s name.

Authorities are talking to the mother to determine why the children were home alone. They also want to know why the 11-year-old had access to a handgun. Police believe the mother purchased the handgun because of prior attempted home break-in attempts.  She is cooperating with the investigation.