ST. LOUIS — St. Louis police have made an arrest in the deadly shooting of 23-year-old Jardyn Walker. The victim, along with suspect Jamaal Jones, 27, and witnesses involved in the investigation, have been named as the investigation unfolds. Walker was found dead early Wednesday morning in the 4200 block of Olive Street after being reported missing the previous day.
Authorities say officers responded around 1 a.m. after Walker’s phone was pinged to the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered Walker suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene. University City Police confirmed that Walker had been reported missing Tuesday after he failed to show up at the Amazon Hazelwood plant to ride home with his sister. He had last been seen delivering packages in the University City area, and the vehicle he was driving at the time was recovered at the scene.
Police believe the incident may be linked to an earlier shots-fired call in the Central West End. A vehicle seen leaving the scene was later stopped near Boyle and Lindell, where officers discovered weapons inside the car, leading to the arrest of Jamaal Jones. Wednesday afternoon, authorities announced Jones had been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence.
Charging documents reveal that a witness identified Jones as the shooter. Police report that Jones admitted to firing the weapon, stating he feared for his life, and was found in possession of shell casings at the time of his arrest. Another witness reported hearing gunshots as Walker was leaving an apartment on the night of the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact St. Louis Police Department’s homicide unit. As the community mourns the loss of Jardyn Walker, family, friends, and neighbors continue to seek answers and justice for the young man whose life was cut tragically short.
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