ST. LOUIS — Two men were charged Tuesday more than three years after police said they were involved in the deadly shooting of a 14-year-old in St. Louis.
Omarion Mays, 19, and James Jamel Blake, 22, were charged with murder and robbery in connection with the deadly shooting of 14-year-old Kathon Moore in the city's West End neighborhood.
Police said they were called to Etzel Avenue near the intersection of North Skinker Parkway at around 5:25 p.m. on March 8, 2021. When they arrived, they found Moore shot in the back of the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a probable cause statement, surveillance video showed Mays and Blake pushing Moore off his bike and Blake shooting Moore in the back of the head. In the probable cause statement, police said the video showed Mays and Blake stealing marijuana from Moore's pocket before driving away in Blake's white Mercedes.
The probable cause statement said the car was involved in a police chase a month after the deadly shooting, but Blake has not been taken into custody. The probable cause statement said he is "hiding" in the Atlanta area. Mays is in custody.
Mays was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action. Blake was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action.
A judge ordered Mays to be held without bond. An arrest warrant was issued for Blake, who was also ordered to be held without bond if he is taken into custody.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
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