MAPLEWOOD, Mo. — Maplewood police said they have found the van they were looking for in connection with a shooting Tuesday afternoon that left a man dead, a release said Thursday afternoon.
Maplewood police said they were called to the 2600 block of Bellevue Avenue around 4:23 p.m. Tuesday for a report of shots fired. When they got there, they found 19-year-old Jakobe Bass of Maplewood lying in a parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The family provided the photo below of Bass.
Police said video surveillance captured a vehicle related to the homicide. Police announced on Thursday that they located and recovered the van. No other information was provided.
Police said they don't think it's a random shooting.
It is the first gun-related homicide in the city since 2010, the police department confirmed.
The investigation is ongoing. Maplewood Police ask anyone who knows anything about the homicide or the suspect vehicle to call police at 314-646-3630 or the Maplewood crime tip line at 314-781-3733.
People who live and work near Bellevue Avenue and Manchester in Maplewood say for years their neighborhood has been a quiet one.
Jill Droege runs a small business there.
“It’s been a great area and it’s been upcoming and growing. It’s a great place to work,” said Jill Droege.
However, around 4:30 Tuesday afternoon gunshots disturbed the peace in that neighborhood.
“It’s disturbing and I really like this neighborhood. I’ve lived here since 2019, “ said neighbor, Chris Folias.
Jakobe Bass’ body was found behind Jill Droege’s business.
“I still feel safe here. We just want our neighborhood safe and everybody in the area to feel comfortable,” added Jill Droege.
