Crime
Burned body of 21-year-old Kiya Holt-Biggs found in Baden, suspect Zaveon Mills at large
Mills is believed to have fled the St. Louis area and may have left the state to avoid arrest.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has identified the victim of a homicide that occurred in the Baden neighborhood on Saturday, October 19th.
Kiya Holt-Biggs, a 21-year-old resident of Granite City, Illinois, was found deceased in a parking lot in the 1200 block of Switzer Avenue around 8:30 PM.
Officers discovered the woman unconscious, not breathing, and tragically set on fire.
She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Detectives have identified Zaveon Mills, 21, as the suspected perpetrator of the crime.
Mills is believed to have fled the St. Louis area and may have left the state to avoid arrest.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Mills with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Anyone with information regarding Mills’ whereabouts is urged to contact the SLMPD’s Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous or are interested in a cash reward can call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one individual, identified as Brian Young, died following a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Lakeview Mall on Thursday night.
Captain Brian Leer stated that the altercation stemmed from a disagreement inside Jake’s Bar and Grill, located near the mall. The disagreement escalated and culminated in the fatal shooting in the parking lot.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene before 9:50 p.m., and the victim was transported to a hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether any suspects are currently in custody.
Law enforcement officers established a large crime scene in the mall’s parking lot, located in the 5600 block of Clark Lane.
Crime scene tape cordoned off a significant portion of the area as investigators combed through the site with flashlights.
A visible law enforcement presence included Boone County deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers, Columbia police officers, and Boone County firefighters. Witnesses reported that patrons inside Jake’s Bar and Grill were instructed to remain indoors while the investigation was underway.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., patrons were still present at the bar as investigators worked outside. By 10:34 p.m., deputies began removing crime scene tape, and several evidence boxes were loaded into the back of a patrol vehicle.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the events leading up to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Further details, including potential suspects and a motive, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.