OVERLAND, Mo. — A phone call from family members concerned about their loved one led to a homicide investigation in St. Louis County.
The Overland Police Department received a call Tuesday evening requesting a wellbeing check on a man at a home in the 1000 block of Midland Boulevard. Officers arrived to find the man dead inside the home.
The victim was identified as Hossein Cyrus Rastegar. He was 65 years old.
Police have not released details on a cause or manner of death but described the circumstances as “suspicious” and classified the case as a homicide investigation.
Overland police called on the Major Case Squad to help with the investigation, which has now been activated to assist in tracking down leads.
Yellow crime tape was still stretched across several trees in front of the man's home Wednesday afternoon, and several police officers were at the scene.
A neighbor described what she saw as the initial investigation got underway.
“I got up and saw the flashing lights and went to the window to check it out,” said Charlotte Watson. “Then I heard my kids out here and opened the door and saw the police out here. It was a lot of them.”
The Major Case Squad is asking anyone with information that could help solve this crime to call 314-227-2860 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
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.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
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.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
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. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/