ST. LOUIS — What began as a desperate search for a missing young man ended in heartbreak early Wednesday morning after police found a 23-year-old dead in the Central West End. Authorities say the case quickly turned into a homicide investigation, and a suspect is now facing multiple serious charges in connection with the deadly shooting.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called around 1 a.m. to the 4200 block of Olive Street after investigators were able to ping the missing man’s cellphone to that location. When police arrived, they discovered the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
University City Police later identified the victim as Jardyn Walker, who had been reported missing on Tuesday. Family members became concerned after Walker failed to show up at the Amazon Hazelwood plant, where he was expected to ride home with his sister. Police said Walker had last been seen delivering packages in the University City area, prompting an urgent search.
Investigators also located the vehicle Walker was last driving at the scene where his body was found. Police believe the case may be connected to an earlier shots-fired call reported in the same area. Witnesses told officers they saw a vehicle leaving the scene shortly after gunfire was heard, giving detectives an important lead.
That vehicle was later stopped near Boyle and Lindell, police said. During the traffic stop, an officer observed weapons inside the car and took a suspect into custody. On Wednesday afternoon, authorities announced that Jamaal Jones, 27, had been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence.
Charging documents state that a witness identified Jones as the shooter. Police say Jones admitted to firing the gun, claiming he feared for his life. Officers also found shell casings in his pocket at the time of his arrest. As the investigation continues, Walker’s death has left his family and the community mourning a life cut tragically short.
