On September 25, 2018, officers in Saint Louis responded around 12:30 p.m. to a shooting in the 5200 block of Emerson Avenue in North City. Sixty-year-old William Kirkwood was found with multiple gunshot wounds, transported to a hospital, and later pronounced dead.

Investigators reported the shooting grew out of a dispute between Kirkwood and an acquaintance, 51-year-old David Allen Sproling. Police say Sproling accused Kirkwood of stealing tools, held him at gunpoint to recover the items, and that Kirkwood pried himself loose and tried to flee. Sproling allegedly then opened fire, striking the unarmed Kirkwood multiple times.

Sproling reported the incident to police, surrendered the pistol used, and was taken into custody. He was charged by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

If anyone witnessed the confrontation or has information about the events on Emerson Avenue that day, please share what is known.