On the early morning of March 9, 2024, two people were shot to death in St. Louis’ Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. Officers found 42-year-old Harris Kratzer lying on a sidewalk near Arco and South Newstead avenues with a gunshot wound to the chest; he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators later found a second victim, Chelsea Lee Case, inside a residence on the 4400 block of Gibson Avenue; she sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was also dead at the scene.

Kratzer, known as Lil Harris, lived on the 4400 block of Gibson Avenue and was originally from Kinder, Louisiana. He worked as a carpenter and roofer, was a father to several children, and was remembered for helping others and enjoying the outdoors. Authorities said both victims lived in the neighborhood but did not provide a timeline or motive, and no arrests or suspects had been announced.

If anyone has information about what happened that night, please contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.