Lydia Elking

Lydia Samantha Elking was a 15-year-old White female whose family remembered her for a smile that lit up every room and a heart with a fire big enough to warm everyone. A student at Liberty High School and a passionate soccer player in St. Charles, Missouri, Lydia was described as free-spirited, brave, and bright beyond her years. Her family cherished her fierce independence and her eagerness to see what the world had to offer.

On the evening of February 18, 2023, Lydia was a passenger in a car driven by her 17-year-old boyfriend. They had gone to the area of Oak Avenue and Perry Street in St. Charles to meet two other teenagers. According to police, the two boys they met announced a robbery and pulled out a handgun. During the encounter, a single shot was fired into the vehicle, striking Lydia. Her boyfriend rushed her to St. Joseph’s Hospital, but she died from her injuries. Police were called to the hospital at 8:50 p.m.

In the week following the shooting, police arrested two suspects, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old. The gun believed to have been used in the shooting was seized from a home in St. Charles. Investigators learned that Lydia’s boyfriend had allegedly been in contact with the two suspects on a previous occasion to sell them drugs and had been directed to meet them at the location where the shooting occurred.

The two teenagers arrested for the robbery and shooting were initially charged in juvenile court with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, and armed criminal action. The 16-year-old, identified as Alex L. Mason, was later certified to be tried as an adult on charges of second-degree murder, attempted robbery, and armed criminal action. Nearly a month after Lydia’s death, in March 2023, her 17-year-old boyfriend was also arrested. He was charged with second-degree murder and two counts of distributing a controlled substance near a school, with his case remaining in the juvenile court system.

As of March 2023, the investigation was considered active. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact the St. Charles Police Department.