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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.