Crime
36-year-old Emmanuel Suarez Arrested in Kidnapping and Murder of Michelle Hampton, Motive Revealed
Clayton, MO – Authorities have arrested 36-year-old Emmanuel Suarez in connection with the kidnapping and fatal shooting of 37-year-old Michelle Hampton, whose body was discovered in St. Louis City.
The arrest was made Monday afternoon, and Suarez now faces multiple charges approved by the Circuit Attorney’s Office on Tuesday morning, including:
- First-Degree Murder
- First-Degree Robbery (2 counts)
- Attempted First-Degree Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Armed Criminal Action (5 counts)
The investigation has also uncovered shocking new details about the motive behind the crime, implicating Anjuan Mosby, the boyfriend of Michelle Hampton’s twin sister, Samantha Hampton.
According to federal court documents, Mosby, 43, learned that Michelle Hampton had recently received a $40,000 settlement intended for their brother. Police believe this knowledge prompted Mosby to orchestrate the kidnapping and murder.
Samantha Hampton, who witnessed the kidnapping, revealed in her police interview that Mosby had expressed unusual interest in Michelle’s settlement and that she had recently informed him about the funds. After Michelle’s abduction, Samantha grew suspicious when she couldn’t reach Mosby and feared for her safety upon returning home.
Michelle Hampton was reportedly abducted from her Clayton home at gunpoint. During the ordeal, she was forced to drive to multiple ATMs under threat, with the kidnappers attempting to withdraw money from her accounts.
Court documents indicate that Mosby confessed to playing a direct role in the crime. He admitted to being in the passenger seat of the yellow Dodge Ram used during the abduction and to firing a shot at Samantha’s vehicle when she pursued them. Samantha, who had her children in the car, abandoned the chase after being shot at and felt dismissed when she reported the incident to dispatchers.
Mosby further confessed that after driving to the 4700 block of Greer, he forced Michelle out of the vehicle at gunpoint. He claimed he gave her a chance to run but shot her when she didn’t.
Mosby told police he left his phone at his brother’s house to obscure his location and admitted to conspiring with others to destroy evidence. He stated that an accomplice was tasked with burning the truck, the firearm used in the shooting, and the sweatshirt he wore during the crime.
On Monday, Mosby pleaded not guilty during a federal court appearance, asserting he had planned only to force Michelle to withdraw money before releasing her. Despite his claims, authorities have charged him with a series of grave offenses.
The investigation remains active, with detectives working to identify additional accomplices and follow up on leads. The case has shocked the community, and police urge anyone with further information to come forward. Michelle Hampton’s family continues to grieve the devastating loss, as details of the crime shed light on a calculated betrayal that ended in tragedy.
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.