Two 17-year-old teens, Lamarkus Van and Cortez Alexander, have been certified to stand trial as adults and charged with second-degree murder in connection with a January shootout in St. Louis County. Prosecutors allege that rival groups arranged a meeting to settle an ongoing dispute via gunfire, using an unsuspecting Lyft driver for transportation. Upon arrival, a wild shootout erupted, striking the innocent driver in the back and killing her. Both teens face severe felony charges and are being held on cash-only bonds exceeding $1 million each.
St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: Charged With Second-Degree Murder: 17-Year-Olds Lamarkus Van and Cortez Alexander Face Million-Dollar Bonds in Fatal St. Louis County Shootingy
In the quiet of January, late in the night,
A routine fare took a terrible turn into a deadly fight.
A driver just working, taking rides down the road,
Carrying passengers, bearing their load.
Two groups had a conflict they wanted to settle,
Turning the streets into gunfire and metal.
A ride was requested to bring them right where
The opposing group waited, unaware of the snare.
The vehicle stopped and the shots started flying,
Leaving a worker defenseless and dying.
Struck in the back while trapped in the fray,
An innocent life was taken that day.
The shooters all scattered and fled from the scene,
Calling another ride, cold and unseen.
Though months have gone by, the law made its call,
Bringing young men to answer for all.
Now certified adults to face what they’ve done,
Holding high bonds for the damage begun.
The court system moves and the charges now stand,
As justice takes hold with a firm, heavy hand.
From heartbreaking losses to shocking crimes, these stories paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our communities. Let’s hope for justice, healing, and a safer tomorrow.
St. Louis Crime Chime: Partnering for a Safer Community
The St. Louis Crime Chime is evolving into a mission-driven organization dedicated to partnering with local public safety agencies and community-focused media, such as The Evening Whirl and Real STL News, to shine a light on social and violence-related issues. Our goal is to provide resources that support both victims and perpetrators of traumatic events, fostering healing and prevention within our community.
Through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This essential platform empowers residents by highlighting emerging threats and safety concerns, encouraging vigilance and informed decision-making. Beyond reporting, it holds individuals and institutions accountable by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, promoting transparency and urging neighbors to protect and support one another.
While the headlines often confront difficult truths, they also serve as a rallying cry for action. By staying informed through reliable sources and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and take an active role in prevention and community-building efforts. Together, we can transform awareness into meaningful change, helping St. Louis write a safer, more hopeful chapter for all.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
- Protect our children: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can.htm
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak
StLouisCrime #JusticeForLyftDriver #STLPD
