ST. LOUIS — A woman was found shot in a car in St. Louis early Friday morning.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police say they got a call shortly after midnight regarding a shooting on the 8500 block of Church Road.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a woman in a car suffering from gunshot wounds. She was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Lekeshia Stokes, from Florissant, Missouri.
5 On Your Side's Robert Townsend spoke with neighbors about the shooting.
Neighbors said Stokes had four children and that the family had lived in Florissant for several years.
“She was real friendly. That’s just real heartbreaking. Oh my goodness, I’m just totally shocked,” said one neighbor. “We’ve had many kids who don’t have a mother or father and now this family is going to suffer that, too. I’m just blown away by this."
Another neighbor was also stunned to hear about what happened to the north St. Louis county mom.
“She was a sweet person, very sweet and it’s just so sad. I will be praying for her family, that’s all we can do,” the neighbor said.
There is no word on a suspect at this time.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371, or anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (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.
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 between and 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/