On September 7, 2019, a vehicular confrontation in the 4100 block of North Newstead Avenue in St. Louis ended with Sparkle Maxie shot and killed. The 26-year-old woman had been driving when she began following a man who allegedly insulted her; the cars stopped near Lee Avenue and witnesses say the situation escalated. Investigators report Maxie exited her vehicle armed after the other driver, identified as Roland McKinney, reached for a weapon. Witnesses heard a male voice demand people back away and then multiple shots.

Maxie suffered three gunshot wounds, including a fatal wound to her stomach. Four shell casings recovered at the scene matched a different firearm than the one Maxie possessed. McKinney fled but was arrested three days later; he was found in possession of cocaine and charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and drug trafficking. In April 2023 prosecutors reached a plea agreement that dismissed the murder and weapons charges and resulted in McKinney pleading guilty to second-degree drug trafficking, with sentencing scheduled.

Does anyone have additional information about Sparkle Maxie, where she lived, or witnesses to the confrontation?