In a tragic turn of events on November 24, 2020, 37-year-old Michael Rhodes of Saint Louis, Missouri, was fatally shot in an altercation that also claimed the life of his sister, Lanija Cooper. The incident unfolded in the 10700 block of Wurdack Avenue in an unincorporated area of St. Louis County. The man authorities believe to be responsible for the double homicide, 19-year-old Lamarr Harris of Florissant, was taken into custody and is now facing serious charges.
The conflict that ended in bloodshed reportedly stemmed from a dispute Harris had with Lanija Cooper, with whom he had a previous romantic relationship. Harris suspected Cooper of slashing the tires on his new girlfriend's car and traveled to the victims' home via a rideshare service to confront her. An argument broke out, and Michael Rhodes intervened, punching Harris in the face. In a devastating escalation of the conflict, Harris then pulled out a. 40 caliber pistol and opened fire, shooting and killing both Michael Rhodes and his sister.
Following an investigation into the killings, Lamarr Harris was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. Both Michael Rhodes and Lanija Cooper were pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, leaving their family and the wider community to grapple with the sudden and violent loss. The case against Harris is currently making its way through the legal system.
