BLACK JACK, Mo. — "Unfortunately, I got the news from his mother, and it was really just heartbreaking, and it was just the worst thing I could possibly hear in my life," Byrom Donald Sr. said.
The devastated dad said no words can describe the pain he and his family are feeling right now.
Donald lives in San Diego.
He spoke to 5 On Your Side by telephone Wednesday night.
Donald said his youngest of three, Byrom Donald, Jr., was the young man police found shot to death in a car at an apartment complex in the 12000 block of Kendelwood Drive in Black Jack.
St. Louis County police said when they got to the crime scene shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, they also discovered a woman had been shot. Her injuries were not life-threatening.
Data collected by 5 On Your Side shows to date, there have been more than 70 homicides in St. Louis County.
"I don't know anything about the woman who was with my son. That was not his car he was in. It's all just a mystery. I have many questions," Donald said.
Donald said his son worked for Door Dash food delivery, was expecting his first child and was ecstatic about becoming a father next spring.
Now, the shooting victim's dad must fly to St. Louis to help prepare his son's funeral.
"I last talked to my son on Monday. He was in amazing spirits. Every time I talked to him, he was just so happy and really excited about his baby boy. He had started buying so many clothes for his future son," he said.
The hurting dad also said his son did not live at the apartment complex.
5 On Your Side saw security cameras at the complex.
Police have not said if they are reviewing any surveillance video as they search for Byrom Donald's killer.
"Everybody loved Byrom. The bottom line my son didn't deserve this. I want the person who did this to him off the streets. I want justice for my son," Donald also said.
The St. Louis department's Crimes Against Persons detectives were conducting an investigation into the shooting as of Wednesday.
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the police department at 636-529-8210. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.
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.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to "stabilize inner-city neighborhoods." One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
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 an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.
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