On a Friday morning in November 2023, the bustling atmosphere of a shopping center in north St. Louis County was shattered by violence. Inside the E-Clazz Salon, a 35-year-old man named Justin Welch was shot and killed. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. in the 11600 block of West Florissant Avenue. Emergency services were called to the scene, and Welch was found inside the barbershop with gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to a suspect. Nolan-Ryan Thomas, 31, was identified and subsequently charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Welch's death. According to police, Thomas entered the salon and got into an argument with Welch, who was a customer. The altercation escalated, with Thomas allegedly punching Welch before shooting him.
Justin Welch, a resident of Florissant, was remembered by his family and friends. His funeral services were held, and he was entombed at Lake Charles Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleum. The case against Nolan-Ryan Thomas is now proceeding through the legal system.
