On May 23, 2024, 36-year-old male Derek Keith Conway was fatally shot inside a residence located in the 4700 block of Goethe Avenue in the Princeton Heights neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Police officers responded to the scene just before 1:30 a.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Conway unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
He was transported to a local hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from an interpersonal dispute involving a close acquaintance. Earlier in the evening, Conway had been socializing at a bar with 36-year-old Erick P. Clark and Clark’s wife. After the group left the establishment, Clark became suspicious when his wife and Conway, who had allegedly gone to purchase more alcohol, failed to return for approximately 45 minutes. Clark armed himself and tracked them to a mutual friend's home. According to court documents, Clark entered the residence and discovered Conway engaged in a sexual act with his wife. Witnesses reported that Clark then fired two shots, striking Conway in the chest.
Following the shooting, Erick Clark contacted law enforcement and surrendered to authorities. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Clark with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and two counts of armed criminal action. Investigators noted that the suspect described the victim as a friend prior to the encounter. Conway, a machinist by trade who was known for his love of nature and restoring vintage muscle cars, was survived by his mother and two sisters.
