In the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood of St. Louis, a dispute on December 3, 2016, tragically cut short the life of 23-year-old Rolando Bolden Jr. The young man, a resident of the city, was fatally shot in the 5800 block of De Giverville Avenue.
The incident unfolded as a confrontation between Bolden and another 23-year-old, Davontay Vastine. Accounts from authorities indicate that Bolden had stepped in to protect a female friend who was being threatened by Vastine.
This act of intervention escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the fatal shooting. Surveillance footage from the scene reportedly captured the moment Vastine stood over Bolden and fired multiple shots. In a statement to the police, Vastine allegedly admitted to the shooting, saying, 'I didn't want him to get up.'
In a turn of events, a female witness to the shooting also drew a weapon and shot Vastine, who sustained injuries to his forearm, hand, shoulder, and face. Following the incident, Davontay Vastine was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He was held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. In connection with the events surrounding Bolden's death, another individual named Leroy Henderson was also charged with residential robbery, robbery, and burglary.
Family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember Bolden, describing him as a hero who was passionate about music and always willing to lend a hand. His aunt remembered him as someone who deeply respected women and loved his family immensely.
