On the afternoon of January 13, 2016, a violent shooting occurred in the Columbus Square neighborhood of Saint Louis, Missouri, claiming the life of an 18-year-old male named John Kimble. The incident took place around 3:15 p.m. in the 1300 block of North 8th Street. Kimble was targeted in a brutal attack, sustaining twenty gunshot wounds, including six strikes to the head.
First responders arrived at the scene to find him critically injured, and he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Investigators identified two primary suspects in connection with the homicide, linking the violence to disputes involving a local gang known as 'Ammo Money Respect' and alleged drug trafficking activities. Tavon Gray, who was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, was identified as the gunman. A witness reported hearing gunshots and running outside to see Gray firing at Kimble. A second suspect, Travon Weatherspoon, who was 25 years old at the time, was reportedly waiting in a nearby vehicle. According to court documents, when the witness approached the scene, Weatherspoon pointed a firearm at her and ordered her not to move before Gray entered the car and the pair fled.
Legal proceedings followed for both men. Tavon Gray was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. In September 2018, a jury found him guilty of the charges. The following March, a judge sentenced Gray to a total of 140 years in prison—40 years for the murder charge and a consecutive 100-year term for armed criminal action. Travon Weatherspoon was also charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for his role in the killing and was reported to be awaiting trial as of early 2019.
