ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A tragic afternoon inside a north St. Louis grocery store has left a family heartbroken and a community shaken. Police have confirmed that 20-year-old Henry Armstrong was killed during a shooting at the Schnucks on Union Boulevard on September 21, 2025. A 17-year-old suspect has since been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder in connection with the deadly incident.
A Family in Mourning
Henry Armstrong’s loved ones describe him as a “good kid”—a recent high school graduate who stayed away from street activity and had his future ahead of him. His family says he was hardworking, compassionate, and filled with ambition, someone who wanted to create a better life for himself and those around him.
“This shouldn’t have happened,” one relative shared. “Henry had dreams. He wasn’t caught up in that street life—he was focused, he was a good young man. Now all of that has been taken from us.”
The Armstrong family is now left to grieve a young man whose life was cut short just as it was beginning to take shape.
The Shooting at Schnucks
According to investigators, the violence unfolded just before 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 21. Officers were dispatched to the Schnucks in the 3400 block of Union Boulevard after reports of gunfire erupted inside the store.
Police say Armstrong and the teenage suspect became involved in an altercation before the suspect pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as terrified shoppers and employees rushed to escape danger.
When first responders arrived, they found Armstrong suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by EMS but tragically did not survive.
The suspect fled the store but was quickly identified and later taken into custody. He is now being held in juvenile detention as the legal process moves forward.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have charged the 17-year-old with Murder in the First Degree. Because of his age, the case will go through juvenile court, though prosecutors may consider seeking to have him tried as an adult due to the severity of the crime.
Detectives are continuing to review surveillance footage and gather witness statements as they piece together what led to the confrontation. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Community Shock and Anger
The killing has sparked outrage and sadness across the Union Boulevard community. Many residents have voiced frustration about the ongoing toll of gun violence, particularly when it involves young people.
“This is devastating—two lives are destroyed in an instant,” said a community member outside the grocery store. “Henry should still be here. And now another teen is going to spend his life paying for one terrible decision. We need more for our youth, more guidance, more hope.”
Remembering Henry Armstrong
Friends and family describe Henry as someone who brought light into every room he entered. He was known for his infectious laugh, his loyalty to friends, and his dedication to family. In the days since his passing, social media has been filled with tributes, memories, and heartfelt words from those who knew him best.
Plans are underway for a candlelight vigil in Armstrong’s memory, where loved ones will gather to celebrate his life, honor his dreams, and call for peace in a city too often scarred by violence.
A Tragic Reminder
As detectives continue their work, Henry Armstrong’s family faces an unimaginable loss, forced to say goodbye to a young man taken far too soon. The tragedy stands as yet another painful reminder of the urgency to address gun violence and provide safer paths for young people in St. Louis.
Reported by NewsPulse Reporter | NewsPulse Media