A teenager is now facing serious charges after a chaotic July 5 shooting near the North Hanley MetroLink station that left two men dead and two others wounded, authorities said. The late-night violence unfolded on MetroLink property in the 4300 block of North Hanley Road in north St. Louis County. Police later identified the two men killed as 33-year-old Charles Sanders Jr. and 29-year-old Johnell Wilder-Lawson. Investigators say it started as suspects demanding a bag during an alleged robbery, then spiraled into a chase and a physical fight before gunfire broke out.
According to a St. Louis County Police press release, four men approached a man and woman walking on MetroLink property, pulled a gun and demanded a bag. Detectives said the victims and bystanders then chased the suspects, a struggle followed and two people opened fire, hitting four people. The county statement says two victims died at the scene while two others were rushed to hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening. Detectives with the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading the investigation.
On July 23, prosecutors charged teen Makell Hemphill with two counts of second-degree murder, identified as felony murder, and two counts of armed criminal action. He is being held on a $1,000,000 cash-only bond, according to KMOV. The station reported that the two other shooting victims were expected to survive. Authorities did not say whether they anticipate any additional arrests.
Charges and the Law
The offense of second-degree murder, including felony murder when a death occurs during another felony, is classified as a Class A felony under Missouri law, according to the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Armed criminal action is a separate crime that can tack on an extra prison term to be served consecutively if a deadly weapon is used, the code explains.
Transit and Community Response
In the wake of the shooting, Metro Transit moved to tighten station security, activating fare gates and upgraded cameras at 13 stations, including North Hanley, as part of a Secure Platform Plan that launched earlier this month, local coverage reports. Riders told local outlets they were rattled by the late-night violence, while county and transit officials said they would keep reviewing security protocols and monitoring rider safety as the investigation continues.
What’s Next
Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, and authorities are asking anyone with information, video or tips to contact the department or St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers, according to the county. Prosecutors stressed that charges are allegations, and the person charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
