ST. LOUIS — Nearly a week after a man was fatally shot near a St. Louis shopping center, charges have been issued Wednesday against a suspect who was arrested in connection to the midday murder.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said that 51-year-old Maurice Hughes was arrested for the alleged murder of Samuel Butler, 44. The Circuit Attorney's Office issued charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Editor's note: The video was originally broadcast on Jan. 11, 2024.
Hughes remains in custody at the department at this time; however, bond information is currently unavailable.
His arrest and charges come after officers with the department investigated the fatal shooting that happened nearly a week ago near a Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood shopping center.
Police received a call for a shooting shortly after 3:30 Thursday near the intersection of Cass Avenue and North Grand Boulevard in the neighborhood, according to a public information officer with St. Louis police.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man on the sidewalk with puncture wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Homicide Division was requested shortly after. He was later identified on Tuesday as Butler.
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Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.