On the afternoon of February 7, 2017, a tragedy unfolded in the North St. Louis neighborhood of the 4100 block of Labadie Avenue, claiming the life of 19-year-old African-American Kenisha Davis. Known affectionately to her friends and family as 'KeeKee,' the young mother was sitting in a parked vehicle with a friend when the quiet afternoon was shattered by gunfire.
Davis, who had worked multiple jobs in retail and was reportedly preparing to begin a new career as a nursing assistant the following day, was struck by multiple bullets. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind her young children and a grieving community.
The investigation into her death revealed that the violence was likely a case of mistaken identity. Detectives learned that a black Dodge Charger had pulled up alongside the vehicle Davis was occupying before its occupant opened fire. The shooter, who was allegedly targeting Davis's brother due to an ongoing neighborhood feud, unleashed a volley of shots into the car, unaware that the intended target was not inside. While the friend sitting with Davis miraculously escaped physical injury, Davis was fatally wounded in the barrage.
Authorities eventually identified the suspect as Devonte Little, also known by the street name 'Flip.' Investigators utilized witness accounts and ballistic evidence to link him to the crime. It was determined that Little had been seeking retaliation against a rival group when he spotted the car and fired, tragically killing the innocent young woman instead. Following his arrest, the legal proceedings concluded with Little pleading guilty to charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault for his role in the senseless slaying.
