Lanija Cooper, 20, was shot and killed at her family home in the 10700 block of Wurdack Avenue in St. Louis County on the morning of Sunday, May 5, 2024. According to reports, her former boyfriend, 19-year-old Lamarr Harris, arrived by rideshare and a confrontation outside the house escalated. Lanija’s 19-year-old brother, Marc Rhodes Jr., intervened and reportedly struck Harris, after which Harris allegedly produced a .40-caliber handgun and fired. Rhodes collapsed near the residence and Lanija’s body was found a short distance away, consistent with an apparent attempt to flee before she was struck. Both siblings were pronounced dead at the scene.

St. Louis County police intercepted the rideshare as Harris tried to leave and arrested him without further incident; a firearm believed to be used in the shootings was recovered. Prosecutors charged Harris with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Marc Rhodes Jr., while charges related to Lanija Cooper’s death were taken under advisement pending further review. Harris was ordered held on a $750,000 cash-only bond. If anyone knew Lanija or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you know with investigators.