Deionta McCurry, 23, was found shot to death in an alley in the 3600 block of Montana Street in the Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis on the night of August 21, 2022. Officers discovered him just after 9:30 p.m.; he was pronounced dead at the scene from fatal gunshot wounds.

Investigators say the killing grew out of a dispute between McCurry and an acquaintance over dividing proceeds from stolen catalytic converters. Police identified Cleveland V. Washington Jr. as the suspect. The defense later argued Washington acted in self-defense, claiming McCurry attempted to rob him; prosecutors said the slaying was criminal and stemmed from the argument over money.

A jury convicted Washington in June 2024 of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. In October 2024 a judge sentenced him to 45 years, with 30 years for the murder and a consecutive 15 years for armed criminal action. Washington also faced a separate pending case alleging he took part in an August 2023 incident at the City Justice Center where a 73-year-old corrections officer was held hostage for about two hours.

Did anyone in Dutchtown know McCurry or have information about the dispute over the catalytic converters?