On the evening of January 8, 2024, 30-year-old Markell Byrd was found fatally shot on the sidewalk in the 3700 block of Kossuth Avenue, near Fairground Park in St. Louis. Police responded after a ShotSpotter alert and arrived about 10:40 p.m.; Byrd was pronounced dead at the scene.

Byrd was a father of five and had recently started working for Metro Transit as a bus operator. Family members described him as a devoted, hardworking and motivated family man who took pride in his new role and in providing for his children.

St. Louis homicide detectives opened an investigation and said early on they believed a man was responsible for the shooting, but no suspect identity or arrest has been announced. If anyone knew Byrd, saw activity near Kossuth Avenue that night, or has information that could help the investigation, please share what is known with the authorities.