On December 21, 2023, police officers in St. Louis, Missouri, were dispatched to a residence in the 5800 block of Kennerly Avenue within the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood. Upon arrival, first responders discovered an unresponsive individual inside the home suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
The deceased was identified as 34-year-old female Candace Horskins, a resident of St. Charles. Homicide detectives initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, examining evidence that included witness statements and surveillance footage from the area. Reports indicated that Horskins and a male acquaintance had entered the residence without permission while the homeowner was away. When the homeowner returned, they encountered the pair inside. Shortly thereafter, a gunshot was heard from the second floor of the house.
Following the sound of the gunfire, the male subject reportedly descended the stairs and informed the homeowner that Horskins was dead before fleeing the premises. Doorbell camera footage obtained by investigators corroborated the timeline of events provided by the witness. Police subsequently identified the suspect as 46-year-old Mario Lee, who was known to the homeowner.
In early January 2024, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office formally charged Mario Lee with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and second-degree burglary in connection with the shooting. Authorities alleged that Lee shot Horskins during the unauthorized occupation of the home. At the time of the charges, Lee was being held without bond at the St. Louis City Justice Center.
