In the early morning hours of May 24, 2020, a heated argument between former romantic partners in St. Louis County, Missouri, ended in the tragic death of 22-year-old Lawren Mitchell. The female victim was fatally shot in the neck by her ex-boyfriend in the 5200 block of Lucas and Hunt Road in the Jennings neighborhood. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Mitchell's death quickly centered on her ex-boyfriend, Darius Ware.
According to court documents, the two were arguing when Ware became enraged and shot Mitchell. An eyewitness to the incident and members of Mitchell's family identified Ware as the shooter. Further evidence was obtained through surveillance video from a nearby gas station, which confirmed Ware was at the scene and arguing with Mitchell on the morning of her murder. Following the shooting, Ware was seen leaving the area.
Darius Ware, who was 27 at the time of the incident, was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a firearm. In March 2023, a St. Louis County jury found the 30-year-old Ware guilty on all counts. Testimonies from an eyewitness and Mitchell's family members were presented during the trial. In May 2023, Ware was sentenced to two life terms in prison, in addition to a ten-year sentence.
