In the early hours of June 29, 2022, the life of 24-year-old Ra’hmello Stewart was cut short in a fatal shooting in St. Louis County, Missouri. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace. When officers from the North County Precinct arrived at the scene, they found Stewart suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment but ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Initial investigations
by the St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives suggested that the shooting was not a random act of violence. It was believed to be the result of a personal dispute between individuals who were acquainted with each other. Stewart, who lived on the same block where the shooting took place, was found to have been shot in the head. A single 9mm shell casing was recovered from inside the residence.
The investigation into Ra’hmello Stewart’s death led to the identification and arrest of two suspects. In March 2023, an 18-year-old male was taken into custody. At the time of the offense, he was 17, and was therefore processed through the St. Louis County Family Court on a charge of second-degree murder. This individual was later identified as Amanuel Taylor-Hutt, who was certified to stand trial as an adult. He faced charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and delivery of a controlled substance. During an interview with law enforcement, in the presence of a parent, Taylor-Hutt admitted to being at the location to exchange ecstasy for Xanax and fleeing after the shooting. His cell phone records also placed him at the scene at the time of the murder.
Further investigation led to a second arrest in August 2024. Joshua Grace, 22 years old, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. His arrest came after investigators uncovered incriminating statements on his social media accounts. In one post, Grace mentioned details about the victim being shot in the head, which was not public information. In another instance, he reportedly told a witness he had killed before and that his 'homeboy,' believed to be Taylor-Hutt, was taking the fall for it and would not snitch. Cell phone data also placed Grace at or near the scene of the shooting. He is being held on a $1,000,000 cash-only bond, while Taylor-Hutt is held on a $250,000 cash-only bond.
