ST. LOUIS — The homicide unit is investigating a deadly shooting between two men inside a south city business.
St. Louis police were called at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 3200 block of Gravois Avenue, which is on the edge of the Benton Park West neighborhood. The crime scene was inside the Auto Zone.
Police said Jerome Williams and a 25-year-old man got into an argument inside the store, which led Williams to pull out his gun and shoot the man. That man then fired back, fatally shooting Williams, who died inside the store.
The other man was shot in the arm, police said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police said he was then taken into custody and released pending further investigation. The city police department's homicide unit is handling the investigation.
Police placed crime scene tape around the parking lot of the Auto Zone while they investigated what happened.
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).
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/