A 15-year-old girl from Lake St. Louis was shot and killed in the neighborhood behind the Lindenwood Schnucks by two teenage suspects.

According to Public Information Officer, Lt. Thomas Wilkison, the victim, 15-year-old Lydia Elking, and a 17-year-old boy arrived at the hospital at around 8:50 p.m. on Feb. 18 after being shot at. Elking suffered a gunshot wound to her chest, and the boy drove her to the hospital, where she died from her wounds.

“The 17-year-old boy reported they were directed to the area by a white male and black male to meet them in reference to a subject that is still being determined,” Wilkison said. “When the 17 and 15-year-old arrived in the area of Oak Ave. and Perry St., they were approached [by a] white male and black male on foot who announced a robbery and produced a handgun, ultimately shooting into the vehicle striking the 15-year-old girl.”

Wilkison said that two teenage boys from St. Charles were taken into custody by detectives on the night of Feb.19. 

“The 16 and 17-year-old boys were charged in St. Charles County Family Court with Murder 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, and Armed Criminal Action,” Wilkison said. “Both boys are currently being held in detention in St. Charles County.”

Police have not yet released the names of the suspects in custody.

Wilkison said that the circumstances leading up to the incident and the identities of those involved are still under active investigation. Anyone with information on what occurred is asked to contact the St. Charles Police Department.