A late-night stop for gas on West Florissant Road turned deadly Tuesday when a 35-year-old Ferguson mother of five was struck and killed by a stray bullet while walking back to her car with two of her children. Police identified the victim as Shakeela Martin. Her 9- and 6-year-old kids, who were with her at the BP station, were not physically injured. A man nearby was also shot and taken to a hospital in critical condition.
What police say
Investigators said the gunfire followed an argument that started inside the BP convenience store and then spilled outside into the parking lot. Shots were reportedly fired from a nearby vehicle, and both Martin and the wounded man were described as innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Detectives said they are working promising leads and trying to determine whether the injured man was the intended target, according to First Alert 4.
At the scene
Officers arrived shortly before midnight and found Martin and the wounded man outside the store. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Witnesses and first responders later described a shattered glass door that had to be boarded up and bullet holes along the side of the building, according to RiverBender.
Community reaction
Neighbors and co-workers say the killing has rattled residents and devastated those who saw it unfold, especially the children who watched. One resident told reporters, "I just feel like the violence needs to stop," while others worried that the young witnesses will likely need counseling. The BP station shooting is the sixth gas-station shooting reported in the area over the past three months. Co-workers said Martin worked at a Rally's on Page Avenue, according to First Alert 4.
Investigation underway
Ferguson police are asking anyone with information or video from the area to contact detectives as the investigation continues. Authorities say they are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses as they work to identify the vehicle involved and track down suspects, according to RiverBender.
