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16-year-old charged as adult in fatal shooting of retired police officer

Justin Mathews was charged in the shooting that left retired St. Louis police Sgt. Ralph Harper dead.

ST. LOUIS — A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in the robbery and fatal shooting of a retired St. Louis police officer last year in south St. Louis.

Justin Mathews was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree robbery, tampering and felony fleeing.

He was denied bond.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of retired St. Louis City Police Sgt. Ralph Harper back on Oct. 29, 2018.

READ MORE: 'Very warm, compassionate person' | Police ID retired sergeant killed near Tower Grove Park

Harper was shot and killed near the south side of Tower Grove Park. He was 67 years old.

Officers responded to the 3100 block of Lackland Avenue at about 7:30 a.m. for the report of a shooting.

The retired sergeant was parking outside his great nephew's home to watch the nephew's two young children, the great nephew confirmed with 5 On Your Side. Harper's wife was already inside the home watching the children when he pulled up and parked outside. That's when the gunman approached Harper.

A confrontation took place in the street and gunfire was exchanged, Chief Hayden said.

Harper was able to make one call for help. When officers arrived, he was unconscious and barely breathing. He passed away a short time later at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital emergency room.

RELATED: Teens in custody in connection to retired police officer’s murder

Ret. Sgt. Harper served 33 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. His last assignment was in the juvenile division and he retired about 10 years ago.

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