A startling incident unfolded in St. Clair on January 31st, 2025, when a toddler gained access to a loaded firearm and accidentally shot his mother.
According to St. Clair Police, officers were dispatched to 17 North Front Street, at Xtreme Fitness, following reports of a female with a gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, officers found 33-year-old Marissa Jean Sheeler of St. Clair suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand. Initial investigations revealed that the shooter was none other than her own two-year-old child. The toddler had obtained a 9mm Glock from Sheeler’s purse and unintentionally discharged the weapon, striking Sheeler in the hand.
Further investigation into the incident showed the child’s father, William Sheeler, admitted to police that he had previously "tested the strength" of his child by allowing him to squeeze the trigger of the firearm while it was unloaded.
Authorities determined that Marissa Sheeler did not possess a valid concealed carry permit. The firearm, which was found inside her purse, was not properly secured.
As a result, Marissa Sheeler was charged by St. Clair Police on February 19th, 2025, with multiple offenses, including endangering the welfare of a child, carrying a firearm without a license, and recklessly endangering another person.
She is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko on April 1st, 2025, for a preliminary hearing.
** Redaction - This story was originally posted with just the address of the incident; the name of the business was added after its original posting.