On the night of July 7, 2024, a violent incident unfolded in the Mark Twain neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, leaving a local family in distress. Gustova Henton, a 47-year-old male, was present on his sister's porch near the intersection of Thekla Avenue and Kingshighway when gunfire erupted. His sister, who was inside her residence at the time, was startled by the sound of shots followed by screaming.
upon rushing outside, she discovered her brother suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Acting quickly, she transported him in her own vehicle to a nearby hospital rather than waiting for emergency services to arrive at the scene.
Medical personnel admitted Henton in critical condition, where he underwent emergency surgery to treat the severe injuries to his stomach. For several weeks, he remained hospitalized as doctors attempted to save his life. Despite these efforts, his condition eventually deteriorated, and he succumbed to his injuries on July 29, 2024. Henton was a resident of unincorporated St. Louis County, living in the 11000 block of Jerries Lane prior to his untimely death.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Division launched an investigation into the shooting immediately following the incident. Detectives canvassed the area and sought information regarding the circumstances that led to the attack on the porch. As of late December 2024, authorities had not reported any arrests, nor had they publicly identified any suspects in connection with the murder. The case remains open as investigators continue to seek leads that could explain who targeted Henton and why.
