On June 24, 2020, the community of Saint Louis, Missouri, was shaken by the violent death of Dontae Delyn Hearn, a 36-year-old Black man who resided in the city. The incident took place during the early evening hours, casting a shadow over the summer day. Authorities were called to the scene around 6:00 p.m. after receiving reports regarding a body located at a residential property.
Upon their arrival, first responders discovered Hearn in the backyard of a home situated on Saint Louis Avenue.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Hearn had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, and his death was officially classified as a homicide. This tragedy contributed to a violent month for the city, marking the 23rd homicide recorded in Saint Louis during June of that year. The specific circumstances leading up to the shooting remained unclear in the immediate aftermath, as detectives worked to piece together the events that brought Hearn to that backyard.
Despite the efforts of the Saint Louis Police Department to gather evidence and solicit information from the public, the case has faced significant challenges. Investigators have struggled with a lack of witnesses and actionable leads, which has hindered the identification of those responsible. To date, there have been no arrests made in connection with the murder, and no suspects have been publicly named. The case remains unsolved as law enforcement continues to seek justice for Hearn and answers for his grieving family.
