ST. LOUIS, MO — Authorities have identified the teenager who was fatally shot near Saint Louis University’s campus earlier this week as 16-year-old Darrell Price, a young man whose life was tragically cut short in what police describe as an act of senseless violence that has left the community grieving and demanding justice.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to the area of Grand Boulevard and Laclede Avenue just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday following reports of multiple gunshots. When police arrived, they found the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound on the sidewalk near a residential complex adjacent to the university’s campus.
Emergency medical crews rushed to the scene and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save him. Detectives spent hours canvassing the area, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings in hopes of identifying the shooter or any vehicles involved in the crime.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before police arrived. No arrests have been made as of Friday, though investigators believe the shooting may have stemmed from a confrontation involving a group of individuals near the intersection. Police have not released any information suggesting that the incident was connected to the university or its students.
Community members gathered at the scene the following evening to hold a candlelight vigil in honor of the young victim. Friends, family, and classmates described him as a kind-hearted, driven teenager who had dreams of becoming an engineer. “He was always smiling, always respectful, and full of hope,” one neighbor shared tearfully. “He didn’t deserve this.”
The tragic shooting has sparked renewed calls for action against rising gun violence among youth in the St. Louis area. Local leaders, including city officials and clergy members, are urging residents to come forward with information that could help bring the suspect to justice. A reward has been offered for tips leading to an arrest.
Police Chief Robert Tracy addressed the media on Thursday, emphasizing that every act of violence against a child leaves a permanent scar on the community. “This was a 16-year-old with his whole life ahead of him,” Tracy said. “We are putting every resource we have into finding the person responsible and ensuring they are held accountable.”
Saint Louis University also released a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirming its commitment to campus safety. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of the young man whose life was taken near our community,” the statement read. “We stand with our neighbors in grief and solidarity.”
As detectives continue to investigate, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers anonymously. They stress that even small details could be crucial in solving the case and preventing future tragedies.
The city of St. Louis now mourns yet another young life lost to gun violence — a bright future extinguished too soon. The community stands united in grief, calling for justice, accountability, and a renewed effort to protect the next generation from senseless acts of violence.
