A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl were shot at a crowded party inside a short-term rental in St. Louis' Central West End, with both arriving at separate hospitals suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the 5200 block of Washington Place just after midnight Sunday after reports of shots fired, finding people in the street and a steady stream of partygoers entering and leaving the home.
According to KSDK, officers arrived to find the scene still active, with people milling around outside the rental and others coming and going from the party. The 20-year-old man arrived at a hospital first with his gunshot wound, and the 16-year-old girl later turned up at a different hospital with a separate non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Police said both told them they had been attending the party when the shooting happened.
What Police Know So Far
Detectives are still investigating the shooting, and the circumstances that led to the gunfire have not been disclosed. As First Alert 4 reported, officers responded shortly after midnight Sunday to reports of shots fired in the 5200 block of Washington, and both victims were taken to hospitals with wounds described only as non-life-threatening. Police have not identified a shooter or announced any arrests in connection with the case.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact District 5 detectives at 314-444-0001 or by email at [email protected]. CrimeStoppers is also accepting anonymous tips at 866-371-TIPS (8477), with the possibility of a cash reward for information that helps solve the case.
Short-Term Rentals Face Permit Rules in St. Louis
The shooting is renewing scrutiny of short-term rental parties in the city. Under a City of St. Louis ordinance, operators are required to obtain a permit to run a short-term rental within city limits, though it has not been established whether the Washington Place property held one or what role, if any, that played in Sunday's gathering.
Resources for Those Affected by Gun Violence
Several local organizations offer support to people impacted by shootings in St. Louis. The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis runs programs supporting crime victims, while the Bullet Related Injury Clinic is a community-based clinic established to help people discharged from emergency departments after being shot recover from their injuries.
Life Outside of Violence helps people harmed by stabbings, gunshots or assaults access treatment, support and other resources, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis operates the Neighborhood Healing Network for those affected by crime, violence or trauma. No further details about the condition of either victim have been released since they were taken to the hospital.
