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.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.