FESTUS, Mo. — A 41-year-old woman died Friday night in Festus after she was shot by another woman.
Police officers responded at about 11:30 p.m. to 400 South Fifth Street for reports of a shooting, according to a release from the Festus Police Department.
At the scene, officers found a 41-year-old woman who had been shot.
A 40-year-old woman at the scene told police she shot the 41-year-old after the woman began assaulting her.
Fire personnel and EMS attempted life-saving measures on the woman who was shot, but she died from her injuries, according to the release.
Festus Police Chief Timothy Lewis said the 40-year-old woman who shot the other woman was taken into custody but released pending warrant applications.
Lewis said the investigation is still in its early stages and all evidence and documents in the case would be given to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney for possible charges.
Festus police did not release the identity of either woman involved in the shooting.
“It’s very shocking and disturbing that something like that would happen out here so close to home,” one concerned neighbor, who didn’t want to disclose her name, said.
“I think it’s scary because I have a child. There were lots of police lined up and down our street,” Kimberly Green, who lives across the street from where the shooting happened, said.
“The man came outside crying. He dropped to his knees on his porch and yelled she’s shot,” the next-door neighbor said.
“It’s still concerning knowing it happened right across the street from my house. I’ve lived out here for a year and nothing like this has happened since I’ve been here,” Green said.
Police confirm the man’s current girlfriend shot his ex-girlfriend.
They said as of Monday, they were still trying to determine a motive for the attack.
Emergency responders tried to save the woman, but police said she died at the scene.
Police took the shooter into custody for questioning, but later released her.
Prosecutors are still reviewing the case.
“My heart goes out to all of them involved because it was a tragedy and maybe it could have been prevented,” one neighbor said.
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 deescalate violent situations within their own communities.
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