ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Charges were issued Friday against a third man after a marijuana cartridge sale ended in a triple shooting that killed two people, including a 15-year-old.
Bryce Mers, 18, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and one count of first-degree attempted robbery.
Tyler Coleman, 19, and Zachary Hough, 18, were both charged on Feb. 7 with two counts each of second-degree murder and armed criminal action and one count each of delivery of 35 grams or less of marijuana.
Police identified the victims as Collin Courtwright, 15, and Tyree Williams, 16.
The shooting happened on Feb. 5 in the 5600 block of Chalet Hill Drive.
According to a probable cause statement, Mers planned an exchange of marijuana cartridges for money through Snapchat with Hough. He told several other people on Feb. 5 that he planned to rob Hough.
Mers arrived with Courtwright and Williams to the planned exchange.
Police said Williams stood outside while Courtwright got into another car, occupied by Hough, Coleman and a third unnamed person.
During the exchange, Courtwright pointed a gun at Hough and announced a robbery, police said. The unnamed person fatally shot and killed Courtwright and Williams, court documents said. Mers was also shot and wounded.
Mers was being held without bond.
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.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.
