ST. LOUIS — A man was sentenced for voluntary manslaughter in connection with a deadly shooting in south St. Louis earlier this month.
DeAndre Wilkes, 43, of Ferguson, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Wilkes shot Clifton Cooley Jr. on May 14, 2022. Investigators said they were arguing. Wilkes initially denied involvement in the shooting and only later claimed self-defense.
The shooting happened on the 3800 block of Eichelberger Street.
Wilkes had previously served time in prison related to the robbery of a St. Charles bank. Prosecutors said Wilkes became a drug dealer after leaving prison.
Wilkes said in court that he deeply regrets killing Cooley.
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.
