In the winter of 2018, a life was tragically cut short in the Spanish Lake neighborhood of St. Louis County. Ryan Aldridge, a 28-year-old male, was found deceased from gunshot wounds on the afternoon of Sunday, December 9th. The discovery was made outside the Oak Park Apartments in the 11100 block of Riaza Square, prompting an investigation by the St.
Louis County Police Department's Crimes Against Persons Bureau.
Just days after the fatal shooting, an arrest was made in connection with Aldridge's death. Michael Clark, 25 years old at the time, was taken into custody. Investigators utilized security camera footage from the scene which reportedly captured an altercation between Clark and Aldridge. The video allegedly showed Aldridge getting out of his vehicle on the parking lot, followed by a confrontation. It is reported that the footage then depicted Aldridge running off-camera with Clark in pursuit, armed with a gun.
Following the incident, Clark was formally charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and two counts of armed criminal action. Authorities also stated that shell casings found at the scene were a match to a gun belonging to Clark. Further details from the investigation suggested that after the shooting, Clark had attempted to start Aldridge's car but was unsuccessful. A judge set his bond at $500,000.
