An African American man named Charles Wayne Givens Jr., also known affectionately as 'Lil Charles,' was twenty-three years old when his life was abruptly ended in St. Louis, Missouri. Born in late November 1998 to Corine Cantrell and Charles Givens Sr., he had grown up in the city, attending St. Louis Public Schools and eventually graduating from St. Louis Charter School before working various jobs in construction and warehousing.
He was known to his family and friends as a funny, fearless, and loyal individual who loved video games, dancing, and spending time with his young daughter.
On the evening of April 7, 2022, the quiet of the Greater Ville neighborhood was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Around 7:45 p.m., St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers rushed to the intersection of Cora and Greer Avenues after receiving calls reporting a shooting. Upon their arrival, the scene appeared empty; investigators initially found no victim and no immediate signs that a violent crime had occurred at that specific location. The confusion cleared shortly thereafter when hospital staff contacted the authorities to report that a gunshot victim had been brought to their emergency room by a private vehicle.
The victim was identified as Charles Givens. despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Homicide detectives took over the case and determined that the shooting likely took place in the 4600 block of Greer Avenue, a short distance from where the initial calls were reported. The person or persons who transported him to the medical facility left after dropping him off, leaving investigators to piece together the events leading up to the fatal encounter.
As of the latest available updates, law enforcement has not announced any arrests in connection with the murder. No suspects have been publicly named, and the investigation remains ongoing as detectives seek leads from the community. The motive for the shooting has not been disclosed, and the case remains open with police urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing closure to the grieving family who lost a son, brother, and father.
