Tragedy at Koeneman Park: University City Woman Imani Easley, 23, Charged in Shocking Double Shooting Caught on Livestream—One Victim Critical
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 23-year-old woman from University City has been formally charged following a brazen double shooting at a public park in Jennings, Missouri, that left one woman critically injured and another wounded.
The violent incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 30, in front of stunned families and community members at Koeneman Park, a usually quiet recreational space now marred by chaos and gunfire.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, officers were dispatched around 6:05 p.m. to the 2600 block of Shannon Avenue, near the entrance of the park, after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found two women suffering from gunshot wounds—one with an injury to the chest and the other with a gunshot wound to the right arm.
Victims Caught in the Crossfire While Trying to Help
Investigators later revealed that the two women had attempted to intervene in a physical fight between two individuals at the park, attempting to de-escalate the situation. However, that act of courage quickly turned tragic.
Police say Imani R. Easley, 23, allegedly retrieved a Glock handgun and opened fire on the women. The shooting unfolded in full view of parkgoers and was captured on video, some of which was livestreamed on Facebook.
The harrowing footage circulated quickly on social media, playing a critical role in helping authorities identify and apprehend Easley shortly after the incident.
One Victim in Critical Condition
Emergency services rushed both victims to a nearby hospital. While the woman shot in the arm is expected to recover, the second victim—who was struck in the chest—remains in critical condition, according to a statement from police spokesperson Mary Schmitt.
Suspect Reportedly Confessed
Following her arrest, Easley reportedly confessed to shooting both women, as detailed in a probable cause statement submitted to the court. She has been charged by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with:
- Two counts of first-degree assault
- Two counts of armed criminal action
- One count of unlawful use of a weapon
Easley is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for June 9, with a preliminary hearing set for July 2.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns
As of now, investigators have not disclosed whether Easley knew the victims or the individuals involved in the original fight. The motive behind the altercation also remains unclear.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with additional video footage or information to come forward and contact the St. Louis County Police Department.
The shooting has sparked concern among Jennings residents and local officials, with many questioning how a violent confrontation could escalate so quickly in a public park frequented by families and children.
“This kind of senseless violence is heartbreaking,” said one community member who witnessed the aftermath. “People should be able to come to a park and feel safe, not fear for their lives.”
The St. Louis County Police Department has stated it will increase patrols around public parks and community gathering spaces in the wake of the incident.
More updates are expected as the investigation develops.