On the morning of May 25, 2023, 22-year-old Erik Alford-Smith was fatally shot in the head in St. Louis’ Penrose neighborhood. The shooting occurred about 11 a.m. in the 4800 block of Margaretta Avenue; his body was later found in a nearby alley on the 4800 block of Farlin Avenue. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The death has been classified as a homicide and remains under investigation. No suspects or arrests have been announced in connection with the killing. If anyone in the Penrose area that morning saw something, has video, or has other information that could help the investigation, please contact the authorities.