Elijah McKinney was 18 when he was killed during a mass shooting in the Walnut Park West neighborhood of St. Louis on the afternoon of July 29, 2020. Residents near Floy Avenue and West Florissant Avenue reported what they described as nonstop gunfire; when it ended police found five people shot. McKinney, Malik Taylor, and Daijon Nearing were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims — a 17-year-old boy and a 37-year-old man — survived with wounds.

Investigators concluded the shooting grew out of a violent dispute between two rival groups and recovered a firearm at the scene. The slayings prompted community alarm and led the Urban League to announce an anti-crime initiative for the neighborhood. A 17-year-old, Joshua Amerson, was arrested and charged in connection with the triple homicide, but prosecutors dismissed the charges in July 2022 citing lack of witness cooperation and later refiled them. A judge dismissed the charges again in June 2023, again tied to witness-related issues. The identities of those who shot Elijah McKinney remain unresolved.

If anyone knew Elijah, Malik, or Daijon or has information about the shooting, please share what can help the investigation.