The new information came as police announced the arrest of a third minor in the case, a 17-year-old boy from Lake Saint Louis. That boy allegedly drove Lydia to St. Charles on February 18 to sell drugs to 16- and 17-year-old boys.
The 16 and 17 year olds instead pulled a gun and said they were going to rob Lydia and the 17 year old driver. Lydia was shot in the upper body. The 17-year-old driver drove her to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she died.
The 16- and 17-year-old were arrested and charged on the night of February 19, and police seized a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol they believe was used in the shooting. The teens are being held at St. Charles County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of second-degree murder, robbery, assault and armed criminal action.
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The 17-year-old driver from Lake Saint Louis is being held at the Boone County Juvenile Detention Center. He is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of distributing a controlled substance near a school.
The shooting occurred near Oak Avenue and Perry Street, a residential area near Lincoln Elementary School and Lindenwood University. According to police, the 17-year-old had gone to the same neighborhood once before to sell drugs to the same 16- and 17-year-old suspects.
All three defendants were charged in St. Charles County Family Court. It is for that court to determine whether to prosecute them as adults. If so, the case will be handled by St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar’s office, a spokesman said.
Lydia was a sophomore at Liberty High School in Lake Saint Louis where she was on the varsity soccer team. During a school balloon release and prayer ceremony four days after her death, she was also remembered for her infectious smile and ability to befriend everyone.
A GoFundMe account started by her sister Dani Elking has raised more than $131,000 from 8,900 people. Donations range from $5 to $2,000.
The St. Charles Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to call 636-949-3309.
This story has been updated to reflect that both the victim’s hometown and high school were in Lake Saint Louis.