WELLSTON, Mo. – North County Cooperative Police Department wants to help the family of a homicide victim.
One of the lead investigators started a GoFundMe after talking to the family of Steven Combs.
Combs was shot and killed outside of his house while he was washing a car Sunday morning. He’s the father of 16, according to the GoFundMe.
“This Go Fund Me account was established by Steven's friends at the North County Police Cooperative to support his family in this great time of need. Steven lost his life as a victim of violence on December 3, 2017. Steven left behind 16 children and a wonderful loving family. Please help support the family of Steven Combs.” Their goal is to raise $5,000.
His loved ones say he was a peaceful family man who was passionate about his towing company, and they don’t know why anyone would want to hurt him.
"Anything to do to help this family, we were all in,” Captain Clay Farmer said.
"I thank them,” Combs’ 23-year-old son told 5 On Your Side.
He says since his father’s death, he feels responsible for caring for his 12 younger brothers and sisters, and he says the gesture shows he’s not alone.
“I thought it was just me. I didn't think anyone was caring. I thought it was just me,” he said.
It’s the first time the officers have ever done something like this for the victims of a case they’re investigating.
"It's so important for the community and these families to know that we truly care about them, not just coming to work, punching a time clock, and going home,” Farmer said.
Farmer said they continue to follow up on leads, and they believe they’ll solve the case soon.
The shooting occurred on the 6200 block of Bartmer around 11:40 a.m. Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.
