BERKELEY, Mo. — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is searching for two suspects involved in the death of a teenager in Berkeley.
The Major Case Squad is looking for Taivion Kirk, 18, of St. Louis and LA'Marrion Matthews, 18, of Hazelwood in connection to the death of a 14-year-old boy.
Both Kirk and Matthews should be considered armed and dangerous, according to a press release.
The Berkeley Police Department responded to a call for multiple juveniles with guns as well as calls for shots fired shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday in the 6800 block of Larry Lane.
At the scene, officers found a 14-year-old boy dead in the front yard of a home. He suffered a gunshot wound to his chest. Police are not releasing his name because he is under the age of 18, according to a news release, but police said the teenager is from St. Louis City.
Officers at the scene secured the area and requested the activation of the Major Case Squad to investigate the homicide, according to the release.
Several neighbors that live on Larry Lane, like Carrie Fryson, said they're tired of the constant crime.
"I know it's bad everywhere, but some places are worse than others. I worked all my life to have a comfortable home and it's not happening," Fyrson said.
Fryson has lived in her home on Larry Lane for over four decades.
"I had worked at the VA hospital for 40 years. After I retired from there, I thought I was going to be able to come home and enjoy my home because when I purchased this house everybody was homeowners. It was a nice quiet peaceful place," she said.
The constant caution tape and commotion on Fryson's block though are making her rethink some things.
"Every night we hear gunshots, we hear loud music going, we hear dogs barking all night, car doors slamming, so I think it's time for me to move out," she said.
Fryson said she heard those similar sounds of gunshots, 12 times in a row, on Sunday night.
"I immediately called 911 and my son said, 'Mom don't go to that door or window,'" she said.
Daylight in the neighborhood revealed multiple bullet holes in neighbors' homes.
Fryson said it's terrible that crime continues to happen between young people, and something needs to stop.
"They have to get them from somewhere and I think they are telling these kids, if you're juvenile nothing is going to happen, but you know, they need to be trained up and taught the right way. What I'm finding out is that they don't have any real parents or anybody to guide them or steering them in the right direction," she said.
About 18 investigators from the Major Case Squad are handling the case.
Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update information as it is confirmed.
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.
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