St. Louis Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Teenager

St. Louis Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of TeenagerSt. Louis Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Teenager St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old male teenager in the city’s Walnut Park East neighborhood on Tuesday evening. According to SLMPD, officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4200 block of Shaw Boulevard just before 6:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim lying on the sidewalk suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency medical services personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The victim has been identified as Deiondre Blanks. SLMPD detectives are actively investigating the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that Blanks may have been involved in an altercation with another individual prior to the shooting. No arrests have been made at this time. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Walnut Park East community. Residents described Blanks as a “good kid” who was always friendly and respectful. “He was always so polite,” said one neighbor. “I can’t believe this happened.” The fatal shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents in St. Louis this year. Citywide, there have been over 200 homicides so far in 2023. SLMPD Chief Robert Tracy condemned the violence and urged community members to cooperate with the investigation. “This is a senseless tragedy,” Tracy said. “We need the community’s help to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice.” Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the SLMPD Homicide Division at 314-444-5371 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.