Jardyn Walker dies in fatal St. Louis, Missouri shooting

Jardyn Walker dies in fatal St. Louis, Missouri shooting

Fatal St. Louis, Missouri shooting death of Jardyn Walker – Obituary

Jardyn Walker, 23, was found shot to death early Wednesday in the Central West End of St. Louis following a missing person investigation. St. Louis Metropolitan Police say officers responded around 1 a.m. after University City police requested assistance in locating Walker, whose phone signal led authorities to the 4200 block of Olive Street.

When officers arrived, they discovered Walker suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police later confirmed the victim was the same individual reported missing the day before after failing to arrive at the Amazon Hazelwood plant to get a ride home with his sister.

Investigators believe the killing may be connected to a report of gunfire several hours earlier Tuesday night. During that earlier incident, police stopped a vehicle seen leaving the area quickly and took a suspect into custody after weapons were observed inside the car.

Authorities announced that Jamaal Jones, 27, has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence. Charging documents state that a witness identified Jones as the shooter and that he admitted to firing the weapon, claiming fear for his life. Police also reported finding shell casings in his pocket at the time of arrest.

According to investigators, Walker and Jones knew each other, and Walker was in the area for personal reasons rather than work. A witness told police both men were at his apartment before the shooting and that gunfire was heard as Walker was leaving. The witness later reported seeing Jones return with an assault-style rifle.

Residents in the neighborhood expressed shock after learning the victim was found in an alley just steps from nearby homes. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to gather evidence related to the fatal shooting.