In the late afternoon of November 29, 2020, Michael Wesley Holland, a 32-year-old male, was shot and killed in the 1800 block of Spencer Avenue in Overland, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Holland was found lying in the street with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another individual was also injured in the shooting.
Michael Wesley Holland, born on October 20, 1988, in St. Louis, was a father of five children, four daughters and a son.
Known to be a 'people person' who never met a stranger, he was a gifted musician who could play the drums, piano, and keyboard for several churches. In addition to his musical talents, he was also a barber and hairstylist. Holland, who had attended the Ritenour School District and graduated from North County Tech in 2007, was also described as athletic, having played football, basketball, and baseball.
The investigation into Holland's death, led by the Overland Police Department with assistance from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, initially resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old male. The motive was initially believed to be an ongoing feud between the teenager and an acquaintance of Holland. The juvenile was taken into custody and held on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and armed criminal action. However, a source familiar with the investigation later stated the juvenile had an alibi and he was not charged.
In March 2022, prosecutors charged two other individuals in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting. Larry Lowery, 26, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. Julionne Parker, 22, was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. According to police, Parker was the driver of the vehicle from which Lowery fired the shots. Parker reportedly admitted to being the getaway driver and witnessing the shooting. Authorities stated that Lowery called out to Holland and two women with him before opening fire. Ballistic evidence from the crime scene was matched to a gun found in Lowery's possession in March 2021, and the getaway vehicle was traced back to Parker.
