On the night of November 24, 2024, a shootout near Eighth and Carr streets in the Columbus Square neighborhood left 20-year-old Darrien Abrams of East St. Louis dead. Police arrived shortly before 10 p.m. and found multiple victims; Abrams was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. The violence also killed 26-year-old Damon Lawson at the scene and wounded three others — a 25-year-old man in critical, unstable condition, a 26-year-old man in stable condition, and a 24-year-old woman who suffered a graze wound and declined treatment.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Homicide Division investigators recovered numerous shell casings and have identified the two deceased, but have not publicly released a motive or named any suspects. Detectives are continuing the investigation and have asked the public for information, offering a cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest. If anyone knew Darrien or saw the events that night, please share information with investigators.