On the afternoon of September 18, 2024, a burst of gunfire in a vacant lot on the 5000 block of Kensington Avenue in the Academy neighborhood of St. Louis left four people struck and sparked a homicide investigation. First responders found two wounded at the scene; an off-duty firefighter was already providing aid to one victim before EMS arrived. Qua’nell Robinson, 21, was among those taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and was later pronounced deceased.

Two other 21-year-olds were also hit: Taylor Richards, who later died of her wounds, and a man who was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. A 21-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his arm and was listed in stable condition. A third victim, 31-year-old William Person, died two days after the shooting.

Detectives say the shooting resulted from an exchange of gunfire between at least two people in the vacant lot, a spot reportedly known for frequent criminal activity. No arrests have been announced and no suspects have been publicly identified. If anyone has information about the shooting or the people involved, contact the St. Louis Homicide Division or CrimeStoppers.