In the winter of 2020, a ride on a MetroBus in north St. Louis County turned deadly for Jevon White. On December 29th, the Saint Louis resident was shot and killed in a sudden act of violence that unfolded in front of other passengers. According to court documents, Mr. White boarded the bus near Lewis and Clark Boulevard and Parker Road accompanied by another man, Dion Raney.
Witnesses reported that the two appeared to be acquainted and sat together.
As the journey progressed, Raney's behavior became increasingly disruptive, prompting the bus driver to intervene and ask him to temper his language. Shortly after this exchange, Raney was seen whispering to White before brandishing a gun and pointing it at his face. The weapon initially misfired, but Raney quickly reloaded it and fired again, this time fatally wounding Jevon White. In the chaotic moments that followed, Raney attempted to shoot White again and waved the firearm at the other terrified passengers while shouting.
The bus driver promptly pulled over near Bellefontaine Road and Interstate 270. Raney erratically got on and off the bus several times before walking to a nearby grocery store. It was there that law enforcement officers were able to apprehend him. During his transport to the police station, Raney made a spontaneous statement, admitting to the killing.
Dion Raney was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of Jevon White. Further investigation revealed that Raney had other pending charges in St. Louis County, including a child abuse charge from November 2019. The case against him is proceeding through the legal system, where he faces the possibility of a life sentence if convicted of the murder.
