Crime
Car fatally strikes 39-year-old Shirley Howard pushing stroller in north St. Louis
2-year-old critically injured.
St. Louis, MO – Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred in North St. Louis on Monday, January 20, 2025, as 39-year-old Shirley Howard.
The tragic incident took place at approximately 2:00 p.m. near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Arlington Avenue.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, a vehicle driven by a man in his 80s was traveling westbound on West Florissant when it struck Ms. Howard, who was pushing a stroller with a 2-year-old child. Reports indicate that Ms. Howard was walking in the street, possibly near a snowbank, at the time of the collision.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene; however, despite their efforts, Ms. Howard was pronounced deceased on-site.
The child sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Medical officials have since reported that the child’s condition has been upgraded to critical but stable.
The St. Louis Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have not yet determined whether Ms. Howard was walking in the roadway to avoid icy sidewalks or attempting to cross the street when the collision occurred.
Officials urge anyone with information related to this tragic incident to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
The community is encouraged to keep Ms. Howard’s family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Crime
Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting Near Columbia Mall – Suspect in Custody
Columbia, MD – A teenage boy was killed, and another remains in critical condition following a targeted shooting near The Mall in Columbia on Saturday evening.
According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, the shooting did not occur inside the mall but took place in the vicinity of the Lidl grocery store and a bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway.
Mall operations were unaffected and proceeded as normal, closing at 8 p.m.
Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Emmetson Zeah of Columbia in connection with the double shooting.
Zeah has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses.
The incident occurred on February 22 at approximately 5:52 p.m. when police responded to reports of gunfire in the 10300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, identified as 16-year-old Michael Robertson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, 15-year-old Blake McCray, was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack; however, the motive remains unclear.
During a search of Zeah’s residence, authorities recovered the firearm used in the crime as well as the clothing he allegedly wore during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.