On the afternoon of July 8, 2024, gunfire erupted in the parking lot of a convenience store at 5215 Lucas and Hunt Road in the Norwood Court area of St. Louis County. Responding officers found 20-year-old Dennis Cooperwood Jr. with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Detectives say the shooting followed a narcotics transaction arranged by a third party. Surveillance footage and witness statements show Cooperwood and another person at the gas station when the shooter opened fire as Cooperwood exited a vehicle and turned away. Police traced the vehicle’s plates to 25-year-old Unice Hobby IV of Belleville, Illinois; he was arrested in Illinois on July 24 and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, held without bond.

In October 2024 prosecutors charged a second suspect, 26-year-old Deshawn Johnson of Florissant, alleging he arranged the meeting to facilitate the drug deal; he faces second-degree murder and delivery charges and was being held on a $300,000 cash-only bond. If anyone knew Dennis or was in the Norwood Court area that afternoon, please come forward with information.