ST. LOUIS — A 33-year-old man died after a head injury caused by an unknown object Saturday night.
St. Louis Metropolitan police responded to a call for a shooting shortly before 9:15 p.m. in the 21st block of Gast Place.
Responding officers located a man unconscious and not breathing in a back alley of the 8600 block of Church Drive, a few streets over from Gast Place, St. Louis police said.
The victim had an injury to the head determined to be from an "unknown object," according to police. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
The victim was identified by police as 33-year-old Ryan Thompson.
A block over, at 8500 Church Drive, police found a "large scene," where the department believe the incident occurred.
St. Louis police said no ballistic evidence was found at the scene, and it does not believe the man's death was result of a shooting.
The department's Homicide Division is leading the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. To leave an anonymous tip, contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
This is a developing story. Information will be updated as it is confirmed.
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.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to "stabilize inner-city neighborhoods." One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
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 an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.
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