Crime
Man Fatally Shot by St. Louis County Police Identified as 37-Year-Old Durrell Dorn
Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by St. Louis County police as 37-year-old Durrell Dorn. According to law enforcement, Dorn was reportedly firing shots into the air and at passing vehicles along West Florissant Avenue in Country Club Hills before the encounter.
Dorn’s family has since revealed that he suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, raising concerns about whether this situation could have been managed differently.
In the aftermath of the incident, Dorn’s family and members of the community are emphasizing the urgent need for greater awareness and support for mental health, particularly within the Black community.
“This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with mental illness,” a family spokesperson said. “Too often, Black men experiencing mental health crises are perceived as threats rather than people in need of help. We must prioritize understanding, proper care, and support.”
Community advocates are calling for a stronger focus on mental health resources, urging individuals to seek therapy, ensure proper medication management, and engage in supportive outlets.
“We need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in our community,” said a representative. “While prayer is a powerful tool, it is not always sufficient on its own. Comprehensive care, including therapy and medication, is crucial to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges effectively.”
Dorn’s death has sparked renewed conversations about how law enforcement and communities respond to mental health crises. Advocates are urging policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to collaborate on creating programs that ensure those in crisis receive appropriate intervention rather than punitive action.
We extended its condolences to Dorn’s family and all those affected by this tragedy. “We are keeping Dorn’s loved ones in our prayers as they grieve this loss,” the outlet shared. “This incident underscores the importance of addressing mental health with care, compassion, and understanding.”
As the investigation continues, the community is urging a commitment to both justice and mental health reform, calling for changes that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
CHICO, Calif. — The Chico Police Department has confirmed the identities of both the victim and suspect involved in a fatal kidnapping and shooting that unfolded on the morning of Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Butte County.
According to police, 21-year-old Athena Marie Passidakis was abducted at gunpoint by 25-year-old Alvin Almontelasha Wilson in the 2700 block of Eaton Road around 8:45 a.m.
Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream that she was being taken against her will, followed by the sound of a gunshot and a vehicle fleeing the area.
Investigators say that during the course of the kidnapping, Wilson discharged a handgun at Passidakis, then forced her into his vehicle.
While driving, he allegedly shot her again.
A short time later, prior to police intervention, Wilson is believed to have turned the weapon on himself, sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Responding officers quickly located the suspect vehicle near State Route 32 and Meridian Road and attempted a traffic stop.
The suspect failed to comply, initiating a police pursuit that ended in the 400 block of East 5th Avenue.
Chico Police were joined at the scene by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Chico State University Police.
Law enforcement deployed an armored rescue vehicle and used distraction devices in an attempt to safely resolve the situation and rescue the victim.
No officers discharged their firearms during the incident.
When officers safely approached the vehicle, they discovered both Passidakis and Wilson inside, each suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical aid from responding paramedics, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that Wilson was the perpetrator, and that he and Passidakis had previously been in a dating relationship.
The Chico Police Department stated there had been no prior police contact involving Wilson and no known history of criminal behavior prior to this incident.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Next of kin for both individuals have been notified.
The Chico Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to contact them directly as they continue to piece together the full circumstances of this tragic event.
The university shared resources for students who may be impacted by dating or domestic violence.
“It’s with deep sadness I share the news that health services administration major Athena Passidakis was killed Thursday in a shooting incident in Chico that police believe is connected to domestic violence.
Passidakis has been a member of our campus community since fall 2023 and was poised to graduate this spring. Her faculty describe her as well-liked and respected among her tightknit cohort. This semester, she served as an intern at Butte Home Health and Hospice.
According to professor Richard Narad, who taught Passidakis in three classes, she was a hardworking and dedicated student whose confidence grew immensely during her two years in the health services administration program. He noted her loss will be felt greatly among her peers.
If you have been impacted by dating or domestic violence or are looking for support, please know that help is available both on- and off-campus.