ST. LOUIS — A 9-year-old boy lost his life, and two relatives were injured after someone opened fire on their car Saturday night in north St. Louis.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said a 32-year-old man and two young boys arrived at a local hospital around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday with gunshot wounds.
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Police believe the family’s car was ambushed near Bircher Boulevard and Ruskin Avenue in the Mark Twain neighborhood, just off Interstate 70. The man was listed in stable condition, while the 10-year-old boy remained in critical but stable condition on Sunday.
The 9-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries.
As of Sunday, detectives were still working to uncover a motive and identify the shooter or shooters. Investigators believe the attackers opened fire on the family’s vehicle before fleeing the scene.
“Whoever did this… You committed an act of violence on one of our community’s most vulnerable. In one of our community’s most innocent,” said Mitch McCoy, director of public affairs for St. Louis police. “We will not stop until we find you and bring you to justice for this horrific act of violence.”
Police urged residents to check their security footage, particularly homes near Union and Bircher boulevards on both sides of I-70.
“We cannot police our way into finding bad guys. It takes the community’s help,” McCoy said. “And the community has come forward time and time again to help bring bad people to justice and to put them behind bars. We’re gonna need your help this time.”
When 5 On Your Side visited the neighborhood on Sunday, at least four neighbors said they didn’t hear any gunfire the night of the shooting. Some checked their Ring cameras but found no clues. They also said they didn’t notice any police canvassing the area or signs of a crime scene.
Despite the quiet night, neighbors were deeply shaken.
“No one heard a thing,” said Arletha Williams, who has lived in the close-knit neighborhood for over 50 years. “We all know each other here. We take care and watch out for each other. I’m just baffled, to know that this has happened right here at 9 o’clock, you know, we’re in our yards putting up our flags for the holiday.”
Williams and others described their street as peaceful, often filled with children riding bikes.
“A 9-year-old? Oh my goodness. Oh, these kids. I mean, they’re just trying to survive, live. They’re trying to grow up, ride their bikes,” Williams said. “I’m just sorry that all happened, and I don’t know how it got past us.”
Police believe the three victims are related, though they haven’t released the identity of the child who died.
“If you know anything, if you’ve heard anything. If you suspect anything. Please call CrimeStoppers,” McCoy pleaded.
On Sunday, detectives continued reviewing video and canvassing the area for leads. Anyone with information or surveillance footage is urged to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. Anonymous tips can be made to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
