On the evening of Saturday, August 2, 2025, 35-year-old Vernon Bruce Jr., known to friends as V-Dub, was shot on Julian Avenue in University City, a St. Louis suburb. Police were called for reports of gunfire around 5:30 p.m.; Bruce was found in the street with gunshot wounds, taken to a nearby hospital, and pronounced dead. Investigators have described his killing as a targeted act rather than random violence.

Bruce’s mother, Veronica Barrett, said he had been cutting grass when he was shot in the back. In the days before the shooting Bruce reportedly told people he feared for his life, saying he had been chased by two people and that someone had made a gun gesture toward him. A memorial at He-Man Park drew family and friends who remembered him as vibrant and sociable; he is survived by siblings and nieces and nephews.

The University City Police Department has not publicly identified suspects or announced arrests, and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact police or CrimeStoppers. If Iive in the area or knew Vernon, did you see or hear anything on Julian Avenue that evening?