On February 28, a tragic event unfolded in the 5000 block of Cates Avenue where a young man and an infant were found shot. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Division has been tirelessly working on the case, recently revealing the identities of the victims. They are 21-year-old Zacchaeus Daniels and his 9-month-old daughter, Ophelia Daniels, as reported by SLMPD.
According to the same source, the call came in to authorities shortly before 8:15 p.m., instigating a prompt response from officers. Upon their arrival at the residence, they found Zacchaeus already deceased. Little Ophelia was rushed to the hospital, only to also be pronounced dead. While a suspect is not actively being sought, detectives are still trying to carefully piece together the events leading up to the shooting. They continue to conduct interviews, hoping to resolve any remaining questions surrounding this devastating occurrence.
Authorities have been handling this incident as a murder-suicide. Though the case is not closed, the details so far suggest a grim storyline unfolding within what ought to have been the security of a family's home. The St. Louis police department is calling on anyone with information to step forward. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers, with the possibility of a cash reward, for tips leading to more clarity or closure in this case.
Information can be relayed directly to the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371 or through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477), a service that allows informants to possibly receive a cash reward and to assuredly remain anonymous.
