Wisconsin Stepdad Who “Wanted to Look Cool” Showing Off Guns Fatally Shoots Terrified 8-Year-Old in Defensive Posture — Judge Calls It “Senseless and Preventable”
WALWORTH COUNTY, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin stepfather who admitted he was trying to “look cool” while showing off firearms to his terrified 8-year-old stepson has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, after prosecutors said he pointed a loaded gun at the child and pulled the trigger, killing him instantly.
Judge Outraged After Learning Bullet Passed Through Child’s Arm and Neck in “Defensive Posture”
During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Walworth County Circuit Court Judge Kristine E. Drettwan delivered a blistering rebuke to 53-year-old Steven Merkel for the January 2024 killing of his stepson, Michael Meagher.
Merkel told police he took the magazine out of his 9mm handgun and believed it couldn’t fire. He pointed the gun at Michael — who appeared scared — and pulled the trigger.
Judge Drettwan revealed in court that the shot entered Michael’s upper arm or shoulder and exited through his neck.
“That’s a defensive posture,” she said.
“How is it fun or cool to point a gun at an 8-year-old who is terrified enough to raise his arm to protect himself?”
Emergency crews arrived at Merkel’s home around 2:25 a.m. after the shooting. Despite life-saving efforts, Michael died shortly after at a nearby hospital.
Merkel Told Police He Wanted to “Look Cool” After Playing Video Games With the Child
In the criminal complaint reviewed in court, Merkel admitted that he and Michael were up late playing video games when he decided to pull out multiple guns — including a handgun and a stun gun — because he wanted to “look cool” and be “exciting.”
Investigators said Merkel even acknowledged “popping” the stun gun inches from the boy’s body as the child squirmed away in fear.
“A 52-year-old man, at 2 a.m., pulling out firearms to impress an 8-year-old?” the judge said.
“It’s senseless, preventable, and devastating.”
Merkel’s blood alcohol level was 0.02, and he told police he had “two little drinks of rum and RC” that night.
Stepfather Admitted “I Did Something Stupid” as Prosecutors Called Boy’s Death 100% Preventable
When officers arrived, Merkel was frantic and covered in blood, repeatedly telling investigators he had made a terrible mistake.
“He was scared,” Merkel said of the child. “I did something stupid, and it wasn’t his fault.”
The prosecution emphasized how Merkel had shown guns to the child before — pointing weapons at him, displaying a stun gun, and treating the deadly items as toys.
Michael’s family told the court the boy trusted Merkel and simply wanted to spend time with him: a night of video games turned into a fatal encounter.
Family, Judge, and Community Left Heartbroken by “Unimaginable” Death
The judge said she has handled a long list of tragic cases, but this one stands apart.
“This is one of the toughest cases I’ve ever seen,” Judge Drettwan said.
“It was entirely preventable. A senseless killing of an innocent child who just wanted to hang out with an adult he trusted.”
Merkel pled guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in August. He will serve 25 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision upon release.
Michael Meagher’s loved ones say they hope his death will remind families about the critical importance of safe firearm handling — especially around children.
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