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Nathaniel Hendren, 29-years-old, has been identified as the police officer who “mishandled” a firearm that resulted in the shooting death of 24-year-old St. Louis police officer Katlyn Alix.
What Happened?
Alix — was who off-duty at the time of the shooting — was shot in the chest around 1:00 a.m. while in the company of two other officers — Hendren and his unidentified partner — at a home in the 700 block of Dover Place in St. Louis.
According to the St. Loius Post-Dispatch, Alix was shot as she and Hendren were playing with a revovler.
Hendren was on duty, as was his partner, also 29, who was not identified. Both men were described as close friends and frequent partners of Alix while patrolling the Second District.
Alix, who was off duty, went to Hendren’s home in the 700 block of Dover Street in the Carondelet neighborhood.
According to the statement of probable cause, Hendren and Alix were playing with firearms. Hendren took all the bullets out of a revolver and then put one back in. He spun the cylinder, pointed it away and pulled the trigger.
The gun did not fire, court records say. Alix then took the gun, pointed it at Hendren and pulled the trigger. Hendren then took the gun again and pulled the trigger. This time it fired, striking Alix in the chest, records say.
After the shooting, Alix was taken to St. Louis University Hospital, where she was eventually pronounced dead.
The St. Louis police department clarified that the revolver Alix was killed with was not a service weapon.
Police Commissioner John Hayden released the following statement in regards to Alix’s death:
“Officer Alix was an enthusiastic and energetic young woman with a bright future ahead of her. On behalf of the Metropolitan Police Department, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Alix family during this extremely difficult time. I ask the St. Louis community to keep the Alix family and the entire Metropolitan Police Department in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn this tragic loss.”
Hendren has since been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and felony armed criminal action.
A GoFundMe created to help pay for Alix’s funeral expenses has raised over $8,500 at the time of this writing. Alix is survived by her mother, father, husband, and sister.
Who Is Nathaniel Hendren?
Nathaniel Hendren has been identified as the 29-years-old St. Louis police officer that shot and killed 24-year-old St. Louis police officer Katlyn Alix as they were reportedly playing with a revolver.
