ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A man was charged with murder after police said he shot his own passenger during a road rage incident in Pine Lawn.
Elijah Boykins, 41, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and multiple other crimes in connection with the deadly shooting on July 5.
Officers with the North County Police Cooperative said the incident started when Boykins and his passenger got into a road rage incident with another driver. Police said Boykins followed the other driver for a few blocks, pulled up next to him and started firing a handgun.
During the gunfire, Boykins' passenger got out of the car and also shot into the victim's car.
During the gunfire, Boykins shot and killed his passenger.
The man in the other car was shot in the leg. His car was also struck by multiple rounds.
Boykins was a convicted felon at the time of the incident and was not permitted to own a weapon.
In all, Boykins was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of armed criminal action. He is being held on a $2 million, cash-only bond.
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 de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.
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