On the evening of August 2, 2014, a summer gathering at Blanchette Park in Saint Charles, Missouri, turned into a scene of violence and tragedy. A family reunion was underway near the park's picnic shelters 3 and 4 when an altercation broke out between two individuals. The dispute escalated rapidly, drawing the attention of those nearby, including 24-year-old Martell 'Telly' Crump. During the confrontation, a firearm was produced, and shots were fired, striking Crump.
The sudden gunfire sent park-goers, including families and children near the swimming pool area, fleeing for safety as the shooter fled the scene.
Emergency responders arrived to find Crump critically injured from the gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The St. Charles Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation, utilizing a helicopter and ground units to search for the suspect, who witnesses said had run off after the shooting. The investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were known to each other, and authorities soon identified a person of interest.
Three days after the shooting, on August 5, 2014, 19-year-old Daveon L. Morrison turned himself in to authorities at the St. Charles Police headquarters. Morrison, a resident of Saint Charles, was subsequently arrested and charged by the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He was held on a $1 million cash-only bond as the legal proceedings commenced.
The case progressed through the court system, where it was revealed that another individual was also involved in the events leading up to the murder. While Morrison eventually entered a guilty plea for his role in the crime, avoiding a trial, his accomplice chose to face a jury. Daveon Morrison was ultimately sentenced to 24 years in prison for the death of the Black male victim. The second man involved in the incident was convicted and received a 30-year prison sentence.
