An 18-year-old man from St. Louis has been charged with murder in connection with a December shooting that killed 14-year-old Samuel Williams Jr. Court records indicate that Williams was found with a gunshot wound to his back on December 17, 2025, in the 3600 block of Oregon Avenue and later died. Police say the shooting began on the 3600 block of Nebraska Avenue as Williams, the defendant, and another person were walking back from a store.
Charges and police account
According to court records and First Alert 4, prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Demeteris Vanarsdale with one count of second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
Court records cited by First Alert 4 indicate that Vanarsdale told detectives in a recorded interview that he fired at a vehicle on the 3600 block of Nebraska. The exchange of gunfire then moved to Oregon Avenue, where Williams was struck in the back. Vanarsdale allegedly admitted he had never seen the car or any weapon inside it before opening fire. He also reportedly told investigators that he left the scene with the 9mm handgun he used and later gave it to another person.
What the charges mean locally
Under Missouri law, second-degree murder is classified as a Class A felony, and armed criminal action carries its own mandatory prison sentences, meaning convictions can result in consecutive penalties. The elements and penalties for second-degree murder are outlined in RSMo §565.021, while armed criminal action is defined in RSMo §571.015, both as published on FindLaw.
Missouri law allows penalties for separate felony counts to be served consecutively, meaning multiple convictions can result in a longer combined prison term rather than running concurrently. As the case progresses, pretrial motions and evidentiary rulings will shape what a jury may hear if the matter goes to trial.
Investigation remains active
Police continued searching last Thursday for additional potential suspects in the December shooting. Prosecutors filed charges yesterday, and the case is now proceeding through the St. Louis courts while investigators and the circuit attorney’s office review evidence and witness statements.
