HANLEY HILLS, Mo. — The Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad was activated Saturday after police found a man dead in a home on Utica Drive.
Police said the victim, 43-year-old John Stevens of Hanley Hills, was found dead with gunshot wounds Saturday in a house in the 7800 block of Utica Drive.
After an initial investigation, police called on Major Case Squad detectives.
Terry Winebarger, 50, of Cuba, Missouri, was identified as a suspect in connection to the death, and the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Sunday morning filed charges against Wiinebarger for first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
As of Monday morning, Winebarger was being held at the St. Louis County Justice Center on a $1 million cash-only bond.
Police said detectives do not believe the crime to be random and evidence suggests the individuals were acquaintances.
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 deescalate violent situations within their own communities.
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