ST. LOUIS — An investigation is underway after two people were shot and killed in north St. Louis early Tuesday morning.
The shooting happened just before 4 a.m. at the intersection of Page Boulevard and Temple Place. According to police, a 28-year-old Nelson Paul and 27-year-old Angela Kabugu were found inside a car suffering from gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Paul's cousin Jessie Powell Bailey said the two grew up together and were lifelong friends.
"Angie had one of the sweetest hearts," the older cousin said. "(Nelson) goes to work, comes home, takes care of his mama, his father. He's my cousin but he's like my little brother."
Bailey said Paul's truck recently broke down, so Kabugu was driving him to and from work downtown.
"He was about to get his truck fixed when he got paid," the cousin said. "We laughed and talked. The last thing he told me was that he loved me. The parents didn't deserve this man. I'm just praying to God I don't lose my aunt. This is her only child, she was 40 when she had him. She didn't deserve to have him taken like that."
Investigators said they were shot while driving and crashed into a fire hydrant on the edge of the Christ's Southern Mission Baptist Church grounds. The Paul family said Nelson was a hard-working man who was passionate about family, his truck and music. His cousin said he worked hard to stay out of trouble.
St. Louis police’s homicide unit is investigating. No other information about the shooting, including the victims' identities, has been released.
Anyone with information is urged to call the homicide unit at 314-444-5371 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
This is a developing story and will be updated as 5 On Your Side receives more information.
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.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
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.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/