Tragedy in Tower Grove East: 16-Year-Old Jamad Edwards Fatally Shot in Early Morning Gun Violence — Investigation Ongoing

ST. LOUIS, MO — A community is in mourning and police are searching for answers after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, April 16, 2025, in the Tower Grove East neighborhood of south St. Louis. The incident has sparked a homicide investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, which is still seeking suspects and a possible motive.

The victim, now identified as Jamad Edwards, a resident of St. Louis, was discovered lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds in the 2800 block of Minnesota Avenue, a mostly residential area just east of Tower Grove Park. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:20 a.m., arriving to find the teen gravely wounded.

Edwards was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors attempted to save his life. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, leaving behind grieving family members, classmates, and a shaken neighborhood.

Initial Misidentification Adds to Shock

At first, authorities believed the victim to be an adult male due to the severity of his injuries and lack of identification. However, it was later confirmed that the deceased was in fact a 16-year-old minor, intensifying the heartbreak and urgency surrounding the case.

“Any life lost to violence is a tragedy,” said a spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. “But when it’s a child—a 16-year-old—cut down in the street in the middle of the night, it devastates a community.”

No Suspects, No Motive — Yet

As of Tuesday evening, no arrests have been made and investigators have not released a possible motive. Police say they are pursuing several leads but are asking for the public’s help.

Detectives with the department’s Homicide Division have taken over the case and are actively canvassing the area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses who may have seen or heard anything leading up to the deadly shooting.

Community Reacts to Another Life Lost

The Tower Grove East neighborhood, known for its historic homes and diverse population, has seen its share of gun violence, but the killing of a teenager has especially rattled residents.

“I heard the shots. It woke me up,” said one neighbor who declined to be named. “But you never think it’s a kid lying out there. That’s someone’s child. This has to stop.”

Local community groups and violence intervention advocates are calling for immediate action—both to support the grieving family and to prevent further bloodshed among youth in the city.

“Jamad deserved a future,” said youth advocate Marlon Green, founder of Stop the Violence STL. “He deserved the chance to graduate high school, to chase his dreams. And now his mother has to bury her child.”

Family Speaks Out

Although the Edwards family has asked for privacy, friends close to the family say Jamad was a quiet, respectful teen who loved music and basketball. He had recently talked about applying for summer jobs and saving for his first car.

“He was trying to stay out of trouble,” said his cousin, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “We’re all just broken. This shouldn’t have happened.”

A Call for Justice

Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to an arrest to contact the St. Louis Homicide Division at (314) 444-5371. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

This case remains under active investigation, and police say they will release additional updates as more information becomes available.

Gun Violence in St. Louis: A Continuing Crisis

The death of Jamad Edwards adds to a growing list of young lives lost to gun violence in St. Louis, a city that continues to grapple with high rates of homicides and shootings, especially among its youth.

City leaders and advocacy groups have been calling for stronger investments in education, community outreach, and violence prevention programs to curb the tide of gun-related deaths. Many hope this tragedy serves as a catalyst for renewed urgency.

“We can’t keep writing obituaries for teenagers,” said Alderwoman Shameka Collins. “We owe Jamad—and every child in this city—so much better.”