ST. LOUIS – The suspect wanted in a quadruple shooting in north St. Louis turned himself in over the weekend. Police say Jerome Leon Buress Jr. surrendered to police Sunday.
According to investigators, Buress shot and killed three adults and critically injured 7-year-old Deniya Irving near the intersection of Lillian and Beacon on June 1. Buress is facing three charges for murder, armed criminal action, and assault.
Deniya remains in intensive care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Deniya’s family spoke with 5 On Your Side about her recovery.
LaWanda Griffin is Deniya’s grandmother and the mother of Derrick Irving, another victim of the shooting. Griffin says when doctors presented a fatal diagnosis, she could not accept it.
"Because I know God is good,” she said.
Griffin says learning the identification of the shooter and the charges he is facing was welcomed news.
“I jumped up and down,” she said. “I screamed and hollered and just thanked the lord."
Buress is charged with killing Deniya’s parents, Jessica Garth and Derrick Irving, in addition to a third victim.
“He can’t shoot and kill another family or shoot another child. I am just grateful that he is off the streets."
Family members say even though Deniya has a long road ahead of her, their hope has been reignited.
“By the grace of God, her eyes are open, she looks around, she tries to speak and she's moving her one of her arms," Griffin explained.
Moving forward, Griffin would like to see actionable change.
“Parents and the families of these children that were slain can come together and take a stand, instead of just excepting the fact that our children have been murdered."
Griffin is at the hospital every two days. She rotates with her daughter so that someone is always with Deniya.
