Gabriel Patterson and Keonta Hardin - Two Arrested and Charged with Murder for St Charles Convention Center Shooting

Gabriel J Patterson and Keonta T Hardin are two suspects arrested and charged with murder following a shooting near the St Charles Convention Center.

The shooting, which occurred around 8 p.m. at 1 Convention Center Boulevard, left four people shot.

Terrell Peete, 19, was the sole victim killed in the shooting.

One of the victims did not require immediate medical care. The other two victims were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

According to St Charles prosecuting authorities, Gabriel J. Patterson of St. Charles told investigators that he and another person were meeting Keonta T. Hardin of Moline Acres to trade firearms.

Patterson said Hardin was sitting in the rear passenger seat of the Chevy Malibu when the vehicle pulled up in the parking lot. Police claim Patterson handed a black Glock pistol to Hardin, who was supposed to turn over a tan Glock pistol in exchange.

However, police claim Hardin pointed the tan pistol at Patterson. Patterson took out an AR-style pistol from a side pocket and began shooting at the Malibu. Peete sped off but almost immediately crashed.

Hardin was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm. According to police, Hardin informed them that a third party had arranged the trade and that Hardin anticipated meeting that person in the convention center parking lot.

After the Malibu crashed, Hardin allegedly took a bag containing the guns and currency and hid the bag in a nearby bush.

The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Patterson, 18, with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, five counts of armed criminal action, and three counts of first-degree assault.

Hardin, 18, was charged with second-degree murder and stealing a firearm.

Both men are being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.