In the Academy neighborhood of St. Louis, a burst of gunfire in a vacant lot on the 5000 block of Kensington Avenue on the afternoon of September 18, 2024, shattered the day's calm. When the shooting ceased, four people had been struck, among them 21-year-old Qua’nell Robinson. First responders arrived at the chaotic scene to find two individuals wounded.
An off-duty firefighter was already administering aid to one of the victims before emergency medical services arrived.
Robinson, along with another man, was rushed to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Robinson succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Two other victims, a 21-year-old woman named Taylor Richards and another 21-year-old man, were taken to the hospital by private vehicle. Richards also died from her wounds. The fourth victim, a 21-year-old man, was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm and was listed in stable condition. A third victim, 31-year-old William Person, died from his injuries two days later.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Division is leading the investigation into the quadruple shooting. Detectives believe the incident stemmed from an exchange of gunfire between at least two people in the vacant lot, a location known to be a frequent site of criminal activity. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward and contact the Homicide Division or CrimeStoppers.
