ST. LOUIS, MO – A tragic incident unfolded in North St. Louis on Wednesday evening, where gunfire erupted during a balloon release ceremony, leaving one person dead and four others injured. The event was held to honor a previous victim of violence.
Police officials reported that the shooting occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on the 5900 block of Wells Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene discovered multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Additional victims were later identified at a nearby hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the balloon release was intended to remember a victim of a recent homicide. During the gathering, gunshots were fired, resulting in the death of one individual, while another remains in critical condition. Three others sustained injuries but are in stable condition, authorities confirmed.
The police have identified the victims as adults, ranging in age from 19 to their early 30s. One of the deceased was shot multiple times, while others suffered injuries to their hands and legs.
A single firearm was recovered at the scene, but no arrests have been made. Authorities are still working to determine the identities of potential suspects and witnesses, given the large number of attendees present during the incident.
Officials have not released the identity of the deceased or the critically injured individual, citing the ongoing investigation’s sensitive nature. They are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the violence.
The St. Louis Police Department is actively pursuing leads and has appealed to the public for any additional information that could assist in the investigation.