St. Louis Police Investigating Shooting, One Dead, Suspect In Custody

The St. Louis police are investigating the shooting of three people yesterday morning.

Fox 2 Now is reporting that police were called to the 5200 block of Jamieson in South St. Louis. They received a report of a shooting at that location at about 6:28 a.m. on Saturday. Police say the victims were outside the apartment, and the shooter was inside the apartment.

One was reported in critical condition after being shot in the upper torso. A second person was in serious condition after being shot in the arm and side. A fourth person was present, but fled the scene. Police believe that the shooter knew one or more of the victims, and that this wasn’t a random act.

“I never thought something like this would happen on Jamieson,” said one resident who heard the gunshots. “I was shocked.”

Resident James Glock said of the violence, “I don’t think it’s every going to change, or at least not in my lifetime. But always hope.”

The suspect in custody has not been charged, nor have the police stated if there was a clear motive or if more arrests were coming.

CBS St. Louis reports the deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Darryl T. Simms of East St. Louis. The victim that was shot in the upper torso is an unidentified 25-year-old male. The victim shot in the arm and side is an unidentified 24-year-old male. The fourth and so far missing victim is an unidentified 26-year-old male that has yet to be found.

Simms was shot in the chest, back, and side. He had been rushed to surgery, but was later pronounced dead.

The shooting happened near the corner of Jamieson and Walsh. A local reporter was able to see two paper cutouts outside the building, and one paper cutout in the alleyway. A neighbor told the local newsteam that some people were going to attempt to break into one of the apartments. Someone who lived in the apartment opened fire.

Lynn Valli, a resident of the duplex, said she heard four shot before 6:15 Saturday morning and called police. She later saw a victim in the alley way of the duplex.

One witness, identified only as Bill from eastern Tennessee, was visiting his son in one of the apartments when he heard the gunshots. Bill said he overheard a man tell the police that the victims wanted to steal guns from the shooter.

St. Louis Hills resident Jayne Vollmer said that acts of violence like this are rare in this area.

“It is a great community, and you can knock on anybody’s door and they’ll help you if you need help,” Vollmer said.

“You still feel safe here, and thank God it (the shootings) wasn’t random,” Vollmer said.

[Image courtesy of St. Louis CBS Local]