ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A tragic shooting in St. Louis left a 16-year-old boy dead and another man injured on Monday evening, prompting an active homicide investigation by city police. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers from District 4 responded to multiple reports of gunfire near Laclede and North Vandeventer Avenue just after 7 p.m. on October 6, 2025. The call was quickly upgraded to a shooting incident in the 3800 block of Laclede Avenue, located within a busy parking lot.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Darrell Price, 16, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, Price was pronounced dead at the scene, and his family was later notified of his passing. As investigators began processing the scene, officers were informed that a 20-year-old man had arrived at a nearby hospital with gunshot injuries. His wounds were determined to be non-life-threatening, but detectives later confirmed his connection to the same shooting.
Authorities say a preliminary investigation suggests that the victims and suspects were acquainted and had met in the parking lot before gunfire erupted. Early evidence indicates that marijuana and a possible robbery or robbery attempt were factors in the violent encounter. Police have since taken two individuals into custody — the 20-year-old man who was shot and an 18-year-old man who later surrendered to police. Both remain under investigation as detectives work with the Circuit Attorney’s Office to determine potential charges.
Forensic teams and homicide detectives spent several hours at the scene Monday night gathering shell casings, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing security footage from surrounding businesses. Investigators are piecing together the timeline leading to the deadly altercation and have not yet disclosed who fired the fatal shots. Officials said the investigation remains in its early stages, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days.
Law enforcement leaders emphasized the recurring pattern of youth involvement in violent crime, urging families and community members to take a stronger stand against illegal firearms and drug activity. The death of a teenager, they said, underscores the devastating consequences of disputes that escalate into gunfire. Police are also asking residents to come forward with any information that could help bring justice to Price’s family.
Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371 or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Authorities remind the public that tips leading to felony arrests may qualify for a cash reward. The investigation into this tragic shooting remains ongoing.