Two fatally shot at social gathering in Ruskin Heights area

Friday morning around 12:30 AM police were dispatched to the 11200 block of Booth Avenue on a reported shooting.

While officers were in route, multiple additional calls reporting a sound of shots were called in.

When responding officers arrived on scene, an adult male victim was located in the front yard of a residence suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Officers were then summoned to a nearby residence stating more people had been shot. Officers entered the home where they located a teenage male unresponsive suffering from gunshot wounds. EMS responded to render aid for the victim where he was pronounced deceased on scene. An additional adult male victim was located inside the residence suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot injuries. He was taken to the hospital and is being treated.

The preliminary investigation is believed there was a social gathering between several people and a disturbance broke out, resulting in gunfire. The circumstances surrounding the disturbance are being investigated. We do not currently have anyone in custody.

Homicide detectives have responded to the scene and will begin gathering evidence and collecting witness statements.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide and is considered ongoing at this time.

If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouri’s Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the State’s administering agency.

We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.