ST. LOUIS — A body that was found in a vacant north St. Louis home Saturday afternoon has been identified as a man who was reported missing earlier in the year.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department on Friday identified the man as 34-year-old Don Devargas of St. Louis County.
According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol bulletin, Devargas had been reported missing since May 29.
Police found the body in the 4700 block of Cotte Brilliante Avenue, on the border between the Kingsway East and Greater Ville neighborhoods.
Officers with SLMPD's 5th District were dispatched to the area around 2:30 p.m. after getting reports of a dead body there.
St. Louis firefighters and emergency medical services also responded to the scene. Firefighters had to force entry into the vacant home.
"An unidentified man was discovered in advanced stages of decomposition," the SLMPD report read. "Ballistic evidence was located near the body and the man’s clothing evidenced apparent bullet holes."
Detectives with SLMPD's Homicide Division were leading the investigation.
"Anyone with information is urged to 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)," police said.
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.
The Bullet Related Injury Clinic (BRIC) is a community-based clinic in St. Louis that helps people heal after they have been injured by a bullet. The BRIC was established to help people who are discharged home from the emergency department after being shot.
