In the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, a dispute between two acquaintances in the Spanish Lake area of north St. Louis County escalated into a fatal exchange of gunfire. Bryant Whitley, a 37-year-old man from the 6100 block of Lucille Avenue in St. Louis, was killed in the incident. The shooting occurred around 2:40 a.m. in the 1100 block of Congress Avenue.
According to the St.
Louis County Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene after a ShotSpotter activation alerted them to the sound of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered two adult men suffering from gunshot wounds. Police have stated that their initial investigation indicates that during a dispute, Whitley discharged a firearm, and the other man, who police say knew Whitley, returned fire.
Both men were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Whitley was pronounced dead at the hospital. The second man sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department's Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are actively investigating the shooting. Authorities have indicated that they have identified and interviewed a person of interest in connection with the case. However, no further details regarding the identity of the other man involved in the shooting or whether any arrests have been made have been publicly released. The investigation is ongoing, and police have encouraged anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department or CrimeStoppers.
