In the early morning hours of June 1, 2019, in Saint Louis, Missouri, a dispute outside a local business escalated into a fatal exchange of gunfire, claiming the life of 41-year-old Lazarus Baber. Police were called to the scene near MLK Drive and Cora around 1 a.m. where they discovered two men with gunshot wounds. One of the men, Lonnie Bailey, aged 51, was pronounced dead at the location.
Baber, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Investigators believe that an argument between Baber and Bailey as they were leaving a business led to the deadly shootout.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the deaths. However, the case proved to be challenging for detectives. A lack of forthcoming witnesses and a scarcity of leads hindered the progress of the investigation, making it difficult to piece together the precise events that transpired.
In the months that followed the incident, authorities continued to appeal to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in the case. Despite their ongoing efforts, no arrests have been publicly announced, and no other suspects have been formally identified in connection with the deaths of Lazarus Baber and Lonnie Bailey. The case remains a source of pain for the families and the community, highlighting the ongoing struggle against gun violence in the city.
