Wilbert Rodgers III, 38, of Wellston, was found suffering from a gunshot wound on the sidewalk in the 2700 block of Marcus Avenue in St. Louis’ Greater Ville neighborhood in the early morning of August 24, 2025. Police were called about 2:30 a.m.; EMS transported Rodgers to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Homicide detectives opened an investigation and initially asked the public for help as the motive remained unclear.

Weeks after the killing, St. Louis police arrested 44-year-old Ezzard Earl Jr. in connection with the fatal shooting. Prosecutors charged Earl with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. The arrest represented a major development in the case and a step toward accountability for Rodgers’ family.

Did anyone in the Greater Ville area see or hear anything around Marcus Avenue that morning that could help investigators?