Crime
17-year-old arrested in connection to fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jamar Hamilton at Speedy Gas Station in Baden
A 17-year-old male has been taken into custody and is now facing multiple charges related to a fatal shooting that occurred in the Baden neighborhood of St. Louis.
Incident Overview:
On November 12, shortly before 1:40 a.m., St. Louis police responded to reports of gunfire at the Speedy Gas Station located in the 8800 block of North Broadway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim, later identified as 15-year-old Jamar Hamilton of Glasgow Village, lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Preliminary Investigation:
Authorities believe that Hamilton was with a group of individuals when an exchange of gunfire occurred between them and occupants of another vehicle.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter.
Arrest and Charges:
The 17-year-old suspect was initially taken into custody on November 12 for an unrelated offense and was held in juvenile detention.
On November 15, St. Louis Homicide Detectives collaborated with attorneys from the Juvenile Court to apply charges against him. The charges include:
- First-Degree Murder
- First-Degree Assault
- Armed Criminal Action
- First-Degree Tampering
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Call for Information:
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Those with details about the incident can contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371.
For anonymous tips and potential reward eligibility, individuals can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Only tips submitted through CrimeStoppers are eligible for rewards.
Authorities have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
During an afternoon press conference, FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the university’s Student Union Building, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
The incident unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on April 17, when the gunman began shooting on the university’s main campus in Tallahassee.
“FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter,” Trumbower said. Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital following the incident.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell detailed the law enforcement response, stating that officers confronted Ikner and opened fire when he failed to comply with commands.
He was subsequently subdued and taken for medical treatment.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
“She has performed her duties with distinction,” McNeil stated, expressing support for Deputy Ikner during what he described as a devastating moment for her and the department.
Investigators revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun previously issued to Deputy Ikner before she transitioned to a new service weapon.
It was reportedly her personal firearm. Authorities also found a shotgun in Ikner’s possession at the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was discharged during the attack.
“We are continuing to investigate the role each weapon may have played and whether the suspect had access to additional firearms,” McNeil said.
Chief Revell added that Phoenix Ikner had been a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several law enforcement-related programs over the years.
“It’s not surprising to us that he had some level of access to firearms given his history within the agency’s youth programs,” Revell stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities noted that Ikner has so far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any explanation for his actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting in the investigation and has requested that anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information or media uploads related to the incident submit tips through their official website at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
FSU remains under heightened security as law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence.