James Rodriguez, 58, was found dead in the basement of a Wells Avenue home in north St. Louis after what investigators describe as a violent rampage that left three people dead. A self-employed handyman known as Mr. FixIt, Rodriguez had gone to the house to work and was last heard from then; his toolbox was located inside the residence. He was a father of three and remembered by family as a family man who often did affordable remodeling for those in need.

Police arrived the morning of May 9, 2025, after a ShotSpotter alert and initially found 57-year-old Tyrone Mason deceased on the front porch. A resident, 61-year-old James Carter, later emerged armed and shot at a St. Louis police officer and an ATF special agent; officers returned fire and fatally wounded Carter. Authorities then discovered Ariel Eastling, 34, shot in the living room and Rodriguez in the basement. The motive remains under investigation; Carter is believed to be responsible.

Rodriguez’s family has started a GoFundMe for funeral expenses. If anyone knew Rodriguez or was at the Wells Avenue home that day, please share information that might clarify what happened.