A fatal workplace shooting at Dobbs Tire and Auto Center in Maryland Heights ended the life of 52-year-old employee Reginald G. Brandy Sr. on the morning of January 4, 2023. According to reports, a verbal dispute between Brandy and 23-year-old co-worker De Shawn L. Johnson escalated into a physical confrontation in the back of the shop. Investigators say Johnson produced a firearm he had brought to work and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Brandy.

Maryland Heights officers arrived shortly before 11:00 a.m. and found Brandy deceased; Johnson was taken into custody at the scene and admitted to the shooting, noting prior disagreements with the victim. Prosecutors charged Johnson with second-degree murder and armed criminal action; the firearm used was identified as Johnson’s and had been in his possession during the dispute. The case resulted in a bench trial conviction on both counts on October 24, 2024, with sentencing scheduled for December 12, 2024.

Did anyone who worked at Dobbs Tire and Auto Center or lived nearby notice ongoing tensions between the two men before January 4, 2023?