St. Louis Police Shoot 17-Year-Old in Back of Head, Contradicting Initial Account

Bodycam video shows officer firing at fleeing teen, despite claims he pointed a gun

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a disassembled handgun against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the contradictory details and lack of transparency around the police shooting of Emeshyon Wilkins.Bodycam footage contradicts police account, exposing lack of transparency in the fatal shooting of a Black teenager by St. Louis officers.St. Louis Today

Bodycam footage released in a federal lawsuit shows a St. Louis police officer fatally shooting 17-year-old Emeshyon Wilkins in the back of the head as he fled, contradicting the initial police statement that the teen had pointed a gun at officers. The video shows Wilkins running away with a disassembled firearm in his pocket, not threatening the officers.

Why it matters

This incident has renewed concerns about transparency and accountability in police use of force, especially in the wake of the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson, which sparked months of protests. The family's attorney says the public was assured changes would happen, but this case shows continued issues with how police respond to and report on such incidents.

The details

According to the lawsuit, police attempted to stop a stolen SUV that Wilkins was driving, leading to a slow-speed chase. Wilkins then fled the vehicle on foot, with two officers in pursuit - one holding a taser, the other a firearm. The video shows the armed officer yelling at Wilkins to get on the ground and drop a gun, but Wilkins kept running. The officer then fired four shots, one striking Wilkins in the back of the head and killing him. A disassembled firearm was later found in Wilkins' pocket, but the lawsuit states it was incapable of being fired.

  • The incident occurred in June 2024, two weeks after Wilkins' 17th birthday.
  • The bodycam footage was released in April 2026 as part of the federal lawsuit against the police department.

The players

Emeshyon Wilkins

A 17-year-old Black teenager with no prior criminal history who was fatally shot by a St. Louis police officer.

Al Watkins

The attorney representing Wilkins' family in the federal lawsuit against the St. Louis Police Department.

St. Louis Police Department

The law enforcement agency whose officers were involved in the fatal shooting of Emeshyon Wilkins.

Michael Brown

An 18-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014, sparking months of protests.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office

The local prosecutor's office reviewing the evidence and determining if there is a basis for criminal liability in the Wilkins shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'They fought that video issue for over a year. We had to file a federal lawsuit to get it. That's not transparent. That's not integrity. Indeed, it's irresponsible.'”

— Al Watkins, Attorney for Wilkins' family

“'There was no threat to the public, and you look at the video, and there were no furtive movements.'”

— Al Watkins, Attorney for Wilkins' family

“'The family needs answers, and the only way answers can be given is if there is justice that is open and transparent.'”

— Al Watkins, Attorney for Wilkins' family

What’s next

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office says it is reviewing the evidence and law to determine if there is a basis for criminal liability, a process it is committed to completing as expeditiously as possible.

The takeaway

This case has reignited concerns about police transparency and accountability, especially in the wake of the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson. The family's attorney says the public was assured change would happen, but this incident shows continued issues with how police respond to and report on use of force incidents.