St. Louis experienced another wave of gun violence on Wednesday afternoon when a shooting in the Academy/Sherman Park neighborhood left two young adults dead and two men injured. According to KSDK, the victims, identified as 21-year-olds Qua’nell Robinson and Taylor Richards of Florissant, were pronounced dead at the hospital after the incident, which occurred around 4:50 p.m. in a vacant lot on the 5000 block of Kensington Avenue.
Authorities believe at least two individuals quickly exchanged gunfire at the scene. An off-duty firefighter, noted for heroic efforts, was already providing first aid when officers arrived. A 31-year-old man was listed in critical condition, while a 21-year-old sustained a wound to the arm but is expected to recover, as reported by FOX 2 Now. Police Captain Christi Marks acknowledged the troubled history of the location, saying, "This has been an area of concern. I know the city has taken many efforts to organize people in the neighborhood to try to get this area cleaned up," as noted by KSDK.
First Alert 4 highlighted that this isn't the first bout of violence to afflict the area, with at least eight people shot prior to Wednesday's incident this year alone. Captain Marks further commented on the installation of real-time crime cameras in the vicinity to monitor for drugs and crime. The SLMPD Homicide Unit has been brought in to take over the investigation, while evidence, including a gun and cash, was found at the scene. "We’ll process the scene, we’ll look for evidence, but it’s a partnership. If we want to put bad people behind bars and hold them accountable, it takes the entire community," SLMPD's Director of Public Affairs and Information Division Mitch McCoy told First Alert 4.
Amidst community grief, Rosie Jamerson, a resident in proximity to the shooting, recounted the harrowing moments to KSDK: "I heard some shots, 'Pow, pow, pow,' and it sounded like they were close." Her fears were soon confirmed as she learned her grandson was among the injured. The St. Louis police have urged the public to come forward with any information related to the shooting. Anonymous tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477) to potentially help in solving yet another grim chapter in this neighborhood's struggle with violence.
