St. Louis, MO — Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting at James House Apartments

Certainly — here’s a long-form news-style article based on the information you provided:

St. Louis, MO — Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting at James House Apartments

ST. LOUIS, MO — A 44-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a young man at the James House Apartments in North St. Louis, bringing a tragic case one step closer to justice. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Johnny Haynes, Jr. was taken into custody on April 23, 2025, following an extensive investigation into the deadly incident.

According to authorities, the shooting took place earlier this month at the James House Apartments, a residential complex located near the intersection of O’Fallon Street and North 14th. Officers were dispatched to the scene after reports of gunfire and arrived to find a young man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel rendered aid and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, is believed to be in his early 20s. Police described the shooting as targeted, though the motive has not been fully disclosed.

Johnny Haynes, Jr. was apprehended without incident and is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is currently being held at the St. Louis City Justice Center without bond, pending an initial court appearance.

“Gun violence continues to take a devastating toll on our community, especially our young people,” said Police Commissioner Robert J. Tracy during a press briefing on Wednesday. “We hope this arrest brings some measure of relief to the victim’s family and underscores our commitment to ensuring accountability in these tragic cases.”

Investigators say surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence led to Haynes’ identification and arrest. It remains unclear whether the suspect and victim knew each other prior to the shooting, but detectives are exploring all possibilities, including whether the incident was connected to a prior dispute.

Residents of the James House Apartments expressed relief that an arrest has been made, though many also voiced continued concern over violence in the neighborhood.

“It’s scary to think that something like this can happen right outside your door,” said Carla Peterson, a resident of the complex for over a decade. “I’m glad they caught someone, but we need more to be done to make this area safe for everyone — especially the kids.”

Community leaders and local organizations have reiterated calls for stronger gun safety measures, more community engagement, and expanded mental health resources as part of a broader effort to curb violence in the city.

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS.

Haynes is expected to appear in court later this week. Prosecutors say they will be pursuing the case aggressively and working closely with law enforcement to build a strong case against the defendant.

This latest development comes amid growing concern over the rate of homicides in St. Louis, which has consistently ranked among the highest in the nation per capita. The city has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime, but officials acknowledge that progress has been slow and uneven.

For now, the arrest of Johnny Haynes, Jr. marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victim and his grieving family — and a stark reminder of the challenges still facing the city in its battle against gun violence.

Would you like a shorter version for social media or a statement-style summary too?