ST. LOUIS, MO – A 44-year-old man has been criminally charged in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Monday morning in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood, according to authorities.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges on Tuesday against Curtis Levoy Sills, including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the killing of 41-year-old Shaun Thompson.
The Incident: The shooting unfolded at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, when officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Montgomery Street, in the heart of the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered Shaun Thompson lying unresponsive in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate efforts by first responders to revive him, Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect Details: Curtis Levoy Sills, a local resident with a lengthy criminal history, was arrested shortly after the shooting. Authorities say Sills was found in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene and was taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held without bond.
The arrest came after a thorough investigation that included the review of nearby surveillance footage, which captured the suspect fleeing the scene after the shots were fired. Investigators also collected ballistic evidence from the scene, which led them to conclude that Sills was the primary suspect in the shooting.
Motive and Background: At this time, police have not officially disclosed a clear motive for the shooting, although law enforcement officials have suggested that the two men may have been involved in a dispute prior to the shooting. It is also believed that there may have been a history between Sills and Thompson, though investigators are continuing to explore all possible leads.
Sills, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time of the incident. In fact, authorities uncovered a handgun at the scene, which they believe was used in the shooting. The firearm was registered under Sills’ name, and the charges against him include the illegal possession of this weapon.
Community Reactions: The shooting has rocked the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood, which has seen a troubling increase in violent crime in recent years. Local community leaders and residents have expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic loss of Shaun Thompson, who was described as a “kind-hearted” man by those who knew him.
“This is another senseless loss in our community, and our hearts go out to Shaun’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Rev. Karen Johnson, a community organizer in the area. “We need to keep working together to address the root causes of violence, so no other families have to experience the pain that Shaun’s loved ones are enduring.”
Legal Proceedings: Sills is scheduled for a bond hearing in St. Louis Circuit Court later this week, and if convicted, he faces a lengthy prison sentence for the charges against him. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has vowed to seek justice for Shaun Thompson and his family.
Next Steps: The investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has additional information about the events leading up to it to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department or CrimeStoppers, where tips can be submitted anonymously.
As the case progresses through the legal system, both law enforcement and the community remain committed to ensuring accountability and justice for the tragic loss of Shaun Thompson.