In the quiet neighborhood of St. Louis County, the morning of November 7, 2018, was shattered by violence that claimed the life of 38-year-old Joseph Lawrence Titchen. A father of two, Joseph was known for his love of photography, drawing, and music. His life was cut tragically short when he was found shot to death on a neighbor's front porch on Leisure Lane.
The events unfolded around 11:20 a.m. when police responded to a call for a shooting.
Inside his own home, Joseph had discovered an intruder, Sean Buchannon Jr., who was 24 at the time. Buchannon was reportedly gathering items in the living room when Joseph confronted him. In the ensuing moments, Buchannon shot Joseph in the living room. Despite his grave injury, Joseph managed to flee to a neighbor’s house seeking help, but tragically succumbed to his wounds on their porch.
The investigation into Joseph's death quickly led police to a suspect. Sean Buchannon Jr. was later arrested and charged in connection with the murder. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office issued charges against him for second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and second-degree burglary. He was subsequently held on a $250,000 cash-only bond.
The initial police response to the scene also revealed another man inside the residence who had sustained at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Authorities recovered multiple weapons at the scene. In the early stages of the investigation, police also released a video from a home surveillance camera showing a woman who was seen running from the area around the time of the homicide, although her role in the incident remained unclear.
