Crime
Michelle Hampton Found Dead After Alleged Kidnapping in Clayton, Body Discovered in North St. Louis
No injuries have been reported from the shooting.
ST. LOUIS — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident involving the death of a woman following an alleged kidnapping early Wednesday morning.
The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Michelle Hampton, who was reportedly abducted outside her home in Clayton around 7:15 a.m. as she prepared to leave for work.
According to Michelle’s brother, Mike Potter, two men were seen forcing her into a vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The suspects also stole her car, which was later found abandoned. Michelle’s body was discovered in North St. Louis near the 4700 block of Greer Avenue.
Police reported that she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The horrifying events unfolded in front of Michelle’s twin sister, Samantha, who witnessed the kidnapping. In a desperate attempt to save her sister, Samantha pursued the suspects in her own car, despite having her children with her.
During the chase, the suspects fired at Samantha’s vehicle. Thankfully, neither she nor her children were injured in the gunfire.
Investigators believe this was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. The area where Michelle’s body was found is close to Hickey Elementary School, prompting the school to implement a temporary soft lockdown as a precaution.
Police are actively working to gather more details about the incident and have called on the public for assistance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities. Formal identification of Michelle’s body will be confirmed by the medical examiner’s office.
The shocking incident has devastated Michelle’s family, friends, and community members, who are struggling to comprehend the loss and are determined to seek justice.
Investigators continue to follow leads as they work to bring the suspects to justice.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.