ST. LOUIS — A woman was beaten to death by her son inside the Phyllis Wheatley Apartments on Locust Avenue Friday morning, a source told 5 On Your Side.
The victim's son walked to police headquarters and told security officers he had killed someone in the apartment complex, police said.
Police went to the apartments, where they found the woman dead inside. She was 59 years old, according to St. Louis police.
On Sunday, St. Louis police announced charges had been issued for the suspect by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office. Police identified him as 40-year-old Mario Wade. He is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
The suspect confessed to police he had killed the victim after an argument, according to the source. The suspect and victim lived together.
The probable cause statement for Wade confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident and victim's death.
Police said the homicide division was requested at about 9 a.m. Friday to the complex located in the 2700 block of Locust Avenue.
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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.
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 an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
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.
