In the early morning hours of July 20, 2020, the life of 36-year-old Martisse Weathersby was tragically cut short. St. Louis police were called to the 5400 block of Delmar Boulevard at approximately 2:17 a.m. for a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered Weathersby inside a building, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the death of the University City man unfolded over the
following months. Weathersby was a Black male. Nearly five months after the fatal shooting, a significant development occurred in the case. In December 2020, authorities announced that a man had been charged in connection with Weathersby's death.
James Lawrence was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for his alleged role in the shooting that claimed Martisse Weathersby's life. The charges brought a measure of progress in the quest for justice for Weathersby and his loved ones, though the motive for the shooting was not immediately released by officials. No further information regarding a trial or conviction has been made publicly available.
