On the evening of August 18, 2024, a violent confrontation unfolded at a Circle K gas station in Maryland Heights, Missouri, claiming the life of 37-year-old Black male Jerome L. Gooden. The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. at the convenience store situated near the intersection of McKelvey and Dorsett roads. Gooden had entered the business where he became involved in a verbal dispute with the clerk working behind the counter.
After the argument took place inside the store, Gooden exited the building and walked toward the parking lot, attempting to leave the premises.
The situation escalated fatally when the store attendant, identified as 25-year-old Jaymes AJ Mays, reportedly retrieved a handgun from inside the establishment. Authorities determined that Mays followed the departing customer outside rather than remaining behind the counter. In the parking lot, the clerk discharged the weapon, striking the victim twice. First responders arrived at the scene to find Gooden lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, but medical personnel were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police officers apprehended Mays at the scene without further incident and recovered a firearm believed to be the murder weapon. Following the investigation, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged the suspect with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Mays was ordered to be held without bond at the St. Louis County Justice Center. This tragedy marked the first homicide of the year for the city of Maryland Heights. Gooden, who was a father and worked as a truck driver and entrepreneur, leaves behind a grieving family who expressed confusion and heartbreak over the senseless nature of the shooting.
