ST. LOUIS — One man was killed and another was injured after a drug deal that turned into a double shooting Tuesday in St. Louis' Midtown neighborhood, near Saint Louis University.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to a shooting at about 1:50 p.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of Spring Avenue. There, officers found two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Editor's note: The above video aired Aug. 15.
Unconscious and not breathing, 25-year-old Jaylen French was pronounced dead at the scene. James Hudson, 19, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Sources familiar with the investigation told 5 On Your Side the double shooting began as a drug deal. French was selling marijuana to Hudson inside a car, and French's girlfriend was in the backseat.
Hudson attempted to rob French and shot him in the process, sources said. French then ran out of the car and toward the Coronado Place & Towers Apartments. Hudson got into the driver's seat, and French's girlfriend got into an altercation with him, got a hold of his gun and shot him.
Hudson then ran from the car and collapsed in front of a witness on Lindell Boulevard who then called police, sources said.
Due to the shooting's proximity to the SLU campus, the university's Department of Public Safety advised people to avoid the area Wednesday afternoon until the scene was secure.
On Wednesday, Hudson was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted robbery and three counts of armed criminal action in connection with French's death. He was being confined at a local hospital without bond.
During Wednesday's public safety briefing, police said the deadly shooting was Midtown's first homicide in 2023.
The Homicide Division is leading the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information was asked to call the division directly at 314-444-5371. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update as information becomes available.
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.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.