To his loved ones, Arlandus Jamel Mayo was a loving, loyal, and caring father, brother, and son who was so full of energy and laughter that he was considered the life of the party. Remembered for a smile that could warm a heart and a great personality, he was a man who loved God and drew people to him. His family recalled that to know him was to love him, and that the impression he left on people was indefinite. He was known for staying true to himself, his family, and even strangers, and for having a heart that was always in the right place. A hard worker and a survivor, Arlandus was someone who would give his everything, his loyalty an expression of his love. This was the 40-year-old Black man whose life was cut short by gunfire on a spring evening in St. Louis, Missouri.
On Friday, April 29, 2016, Arlandus Mayo’s death marked the beginning of a violent weekend in the city. At approximately 9:00 p.m., officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 5400 block of Gilmore Avenue in the Walnut Park East neighborhood after receiving reports of a shooting. When first responders arrived at the residential street, they found Arlandus suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His killing was the first of five separate shooting incidents that weekend which left a total of three people dead and six others wounded across the city.
The investigation into the homicide was immediately launched by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Detectives processed the scene on Gilmore Avenue, searching for evidence and seeking witnesses who might shed light on the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. In the initial days of the investigation, authorities did not release information about a potential motive or identify any persons of interest. The neighborhood of Walnut Park East, located in the northern part of the city, has faced challenges with crime rates that are significantly higher than the national average, particularly concerning violent crime.
In the years since Arlandus Mayo was killed, his case has remained open and unsolved. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Division continues to seek new leads that could help them bring his killer or killers to justice. The lack of resolution leaves his family and community with unanswered questions about why his life was taken. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly named in connection with the crime. The investigation relies on the possibility that someone with knowledge of the events of that night will come forward.
As of May 2024, the murder of Arlandus Jamel Mayo remains an active cold case. His loved ones continue to cherish his memory, recalling phrases he would often say like, "When you need me, call me… I'm on my way." They remember him as a "humble servant" and a "lion" who fought through life's challenges. His death is a stark reminder of the gun violence that has impacted countless families in St. Louis.
Authorities urge anyone with information about this case to come forward. The St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to a felony arrest in a homicide case. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
