DeAra Shanae Banks-Booze, also reported as Deara Banks and known as DeeDee, was 35 when she was shot on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in the Northwoods neighborhood of north St. Louis County. The shooting was reported about 5:30 p.m. in the 6900 block of Pine Ridge Drive. Banks was found with life-threatening gunshot wounds, taken to a nearby hospital, and later pronounced dead. Funeral services were scheduled for April 23, 2026, in Spanish Lake with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Investigators said the Northwoods Police Department asked the St. Louis County Police Department to take the lead. Early reports noted a black Kia Forte near a tree with its rear windshield shattered; crime-scene tape and evidence processing were observed at the scene. Authorities had not confirmed whether Banks had been inside that vehicle or how the shooting unfolded. No arrests, suspect identification, charges, or motive had been announced and the investigation remained open.

If anyone saw activity on Pine Ridge Drive or the surrounding area that evening, can you share what you remember?