Crime
Nykelte Wilburn Charged With Murder in Damonte Hightower Shooting Death
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 17-year-old has died following a shooting in north St. Louis County that stemmed from a verbal altercation late Friday night.
Authorities have identified the victim as Damonte Hightower.
According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, 23-year-old Nykelte Wilburn has been charged in connection with the killing.
The incident occurred on August 29, 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m. in the 11000 block of Larimore Road, when police were alerted to gunfire through the city’s ShotSpotter system.
A probable cause statement indicates that surveillance footage captured the confrontation, showing Hightower and Wilburn engaged in a brief verbal exchange before shots were fired.
Witnesses rushed Hightower to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:17 a.m. on August 30.
Investigators said Wilburn was identified both by multiple witnesses and from video evidence linking him to the shooting.
Wilburn is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Murder in the Second Degree
- Two counts of Armed Criminal Action
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Subsection 9 (Discharging from a Motor Vehicle)
- Failure to Report a Shooting
He is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department.
Our thoughts are with Damonte Hightower’s family and loved ones as they grieve this devastating loss.
Crime
25-Year-Old Adrian Scott Arrested and Charged in Connection with July Bomb and Arson Investigation
St. Louis, MO — Authorities have arrested and charged 25-year-old Adrian Scott in connection with a July incident that sparked a Bomb and Arson investigation after a video surfaced on social media showing a man deliberately throwing fireworks at people and property.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Scott was taken into custody two days ago following an extensive investigation by detectives assigned to the department’s Bomb and Arson Unit.
He now faces one count of Promoting Civil Disorder and one count of Armed Criminal Action, both felony charges.
Investigators say the viral video captured Scott recklessly igniting and throwing explosive fireworks in a public area, endangering bystanders and causing property damage.
The footage prompted widespread concern and led to the official investigation.
Following his arrest, Scott was booked into custody and is awaiting further court proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that such reckless and dangerous behavior will be met with serious legal consequences, noting that the charges reflect the severity of the offense and the potential harm caused to the public.