Kobe Dotson was a 19-year-old Black man killed during a confrontation in St. Louis on the night of April 25, 2023. Around 10:15 p.m. he was driving a pickup in the 2800 block of Chippewa Street with three other teenagers—two 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy—when a man later identified as Clyde L. Sanders approached and demanded they return something he had lost. An argument ensued and Sanders opened fire as the teens tried to drive away.

Kobe was struck, lost control of the truck, and the vehicle went into reverse, hit a fire hydrant so hard both driver’s-side doors were ripped off, then crashed into the front of a house. Kobe was thrown from the truck and found barely breathing; he died after being taken to a hospital. The other three teens fled but were quickly located with only minor injuries.

Investigators recovered firearms and obtained surveillance footage. After releasing images, police received tips and identified Sanders from photographic lineups; he was arrested on June 14, 2023. Kobe’s family remembered him for a laugh and smile that could light up a room. Does anyone have information about that night or knew Kobe?