9-Year-Old Who Was 'Beloved by All' Is Fatally Shot, and Stepfather Is Suspect

An arrest was made after a 9-year-old Illinois boy was shot and killed in Wisconsin.

Officers were called to a home in Lake Geneva, Wis., on a report of a shooting at around 2:25 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, according to a news release from the Town of Geneva Police Department. 

Police said a boy had been shot and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the Brookfield LaGrange Park District 95 in Illinois identified the boy as second-grade student Michael Meager.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of second-grade student Michael Meagher,” the statement reads. “Michael brought amazing energy to life at Brook Park Elementary, where he was known for his incredible kindness and was beloved by all. The entire school community mourns his loss.”

“In the coming weeks and months, we will celebrate Michael’s life. Our focus now is on supporting the Meagher Family and our school community in every possible way during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.

Loved ones remembered Michael as a “bright” and “funny” 9-year-old boy on a GoFundMe campaign created to help his family offset funeral costs.

Police have arrested Steven D. Merkel Jr., 52, in connection with the shooting, per the release. Merkel has been identified as the boy’s stepfather, WISN-TV reports.

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He is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and is being held in the Walworth County Jail, police said. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Further details about the shooting have not been shared by police.