Crime
Four Dead, Including Suspect, Following Officer-Involved Shooting and SWAT Response in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A complex and tragic series of events early Friday morning in St. Louis has left four people dead, including a suspect, after an officer-involved shooting and a SWAT deployment during a barricade situation, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD).
At approximately 4:20 a.m., officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 5100 block of Wells Avenue, where they discovered a man deceased from multiple gunshot wounds on the front porch of a residence.
The scene was immediately secured, and detectives launched a homicide investigation. A search warrant was obtained to allow law enforcement to enter the home in search of ballistic evidence.
In light of the developing situation, officers requested assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
At around 7:00 a.m., a man exited the residence and briefly spoke with a homicide detective and an ATF special agent, before retreating back inside the home.
He soon reemerged armed with a rifle and opened fire on officers. In response, both the officer and agent returned fire.
The suspect then retreated into the house once more.
A call for “Officer in Need of Aid” and reports of a disturbance were made around this time, prompting police to shut down the surrounding streets and deploy hostage negotiators along with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
By approximately 9:00 a.m., SWAT officers made entry into the home and secured the scene. Inside, they located three deceased individuals:
- The suspected shooter, found dead near the entrance of the home;
- A woman, discovered deceased in the living room;
- A man, found deceased in the basement.
In total, four people were pronounced dead: the original victim found on the porch and the three individuals located inside the residence.
One of the victims has been tentatively identified by family and social media posts as Anthony, also referred to by the hashtag #LongLiveUncleSnaccs.
The names and ages of the other victims have not yet been released, and the timing and exact causes of death remain under investigation.
No officers or federal agents were injured during the incident.
Authorities have launched two parallel investigations:
- A homicide investigation into the deaths at the scene,
- And a force investigation into the officer-involved shooting, in accordance with departmental policy.
The officer who discharged his weapon is 28 years old and has served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for three years.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact SLMPD Homicide Division or CrimeStoppers.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.