ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jardyn Walker, whose body was discovered early Wednesday morning in the Central West End.
St. Louis police responded around 1 a.m. to the 4200 block of Olive Street after Walker’s phone pinged in the area. Officers found him suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Walker, who worked at the Amazon Hazelwood plant, had been reported missing Tuesday after failing to meet his sister for a ride home. His last known location was delivering packages in the University City area. The vehicle he had been driving was located at the scene of the shooting.
Police believe the case may be linked to an earlier shots-fired call in the area. A vehicle leaving the scene was later stopped near Boyle and Lindell, where officers observed firearms inside the car and made an arrest.
Authorities announced Wednesday afternoon that Jamaal Jones, 27, has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence. Charging documents indicate that a witness identified Jones as the shooter. Police say Jones admitted to firing the weapon, claiming he feared for his life, and was found with shell casings in his pocket at the time of his arrest. Another witness reported hearing gunshots as Walker was leaving an apartment on the night of the shooting.
The St. Louis Police Department’s investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to gather additional details about the incident.
