Anthony (also known as #LongLiveUncleSnaccs), Suspect, Woman, and Man Dead Following Officer
Anthony (also known as #LongLiveUncleSnaccs), Suspect, Woman, and Man Dead Following Officer-Involved Shooting and SWAT Response in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A devastating and complex chain of events early Friday morning in St. Louis left four individuals dead, including a suspect, following an officer-involved shooting and a subsequent SWAT response during a barricade situation. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) confirmed that the victims included the initial shooting victim discovered outside the residence, as well as three people located inside the home during the SWAT operation. The incident unfolded on the morning of May 9, 2025, and authorities are still piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to these fatalities.
A Shocking Discovery at 4:20 a.m.
At approximately 4:20 a.m. on May 9, 2025, SLMPD officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 5100 block of Wells Avenue. The ShotSpotter system, which detects gunfire and alerts authorities to the location of shootings, guided officers to a residence where they discovered a man who had been fatally shot. The man was found deceased on the front porch of the house with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities have confirmed that the identity of this man, tentatively identified by family members and social media as Anthony, also known as #LongLiveUncleSnaccs, has been corroborated by family members. However, further verification and the exact cause of death are still being determined.
Upon securing the scene, the detectives initiated a homicide investigation and obtained a search warrant to enter the home in search of ballistic evidence that could help shed light on the circumstances of the shooting. The investigation was complicated by the presence of a suspect believed to be inside the house, leading law enforcement to take immediate precautions in handling the escalating situation.
The Situation Escalates: A Violent Confrontation
By 7:00 a.m., a significant development occurred when a man, later confirmed as the suspect, exited the house. He briefly engaged in conversation with a homicide detective and an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). At this point, it seemed the situation might have de-escalated, but it took a violent turn when the suspect retreated back inside the home and re-emerged armed with a rifle. He immediately opened fire on officers, prompting an immediate return of gunfire from the law enforcement officers present.
The suspect, after exchanging gunfire with the officers and ATF agents, retreated back into the residence, at which point the situation transitioned into a barricade. Officers on the scene quickly called for backup, with an “Officer in Need of Aid” request made around this time. Reports of a disturbance were also logged, signaling that the suspect was not yielding and was becoming more dangerous.
The SWAT Response
With the situation spiraling further out of control and the safety of officers and potential hostages at risk, police shut down surrounding streets to secure the area. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was then deployed, bringing in hostage negotiators in an attempt to persuade the suspect to surrender peacefully. Despite the efforts of negotiators, the suspect did not comply.
By approximately 9:00 a.m., after hours of tense standoff, SWAT officers made the decision to enter the home. Once inside, they secured the scene and discovered the bodies of three additional deceased individuals. These victims included the suspected shooter, who was found dead near the entrance of the home, as well as two other individuals — a woman found in the living room and a man discovered in the basement. Authorities have not yet officially identified these three individuals, and the exact causes of death for each victim remain under investigation.
Total Fatalities and Investigations Launched
In total, four individuals were confirmed dead as a result of the tragic events that transpired: Anthony, the man found on the porch, and the three individuals found inside the home. As of now, the identities of the woman and man found in the basement remain withheld from the public, with authorities offering few details about them. While one victim, Anthony, has been tentatively identified through family members and online posts, further verification is pending.
In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement launched two parallel investigations. The first is a homicide investigation into the deaths that occurred at the scene, including the circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death and the deaths of the woman and man found inside the home. The second investigation focuses on the officer-involved shooting and will scrutinize the actions of law enforcement in accordance with departmental policy regarding the use of force.
Officer Involved in Shooting Identified
The officer who discharged his weapon during the standoff has been identified as a 28-year-old member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. He has been with the department for three years and is expected to be fully cooperative with the investigation into the use of deadly force. Thankfully, no officers or federal agents were injured during the ordeal.
The Community’s Response and Questions Raised
The tragic events have left the St. Louis community reeling, with many residents expressing their shock and confusion over the details of the standoff. Community leaders are calling for full transparency in the investigations and are urging the public to remain patient as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to these fatalities.
Family and friends of the victims are also grappling with the loss of loved ones. Online tributes have poured in for Anthony, with many referencing his online presence under the hashtag #LongLiveUncleSnaccs as a way to remember him. As of now, there are no public statements from the families of the other victims.
Investigations Underway: What We Know So Far
- Homicide Investigation: The initial discovery of a deceased man on the front porch and the deaths of the individuals inside the house have prompted a thorough homicide investigation. Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether there is a connection between the suspect and the other victims found inside the home.
- Use of Force Investigation: In accordance with department protocol, a separate investigation will review the officer-involved shooting. This will ensure that the actions of the officers and ATF agents involved are consistent with the policies and guidelines governing the use of deadly force. It remains unclear how the confrontation with the suspect escalated to the point of lethal force, but the investigation will consider all aspects of the incident.
The Police Response: SWAT and Crisis Management
While the tragic loss of life is the focus of public attention, law enforcement’s handling of the crisis has raised questions regarding how police and SWAT teams deal with high-risk situations. Some have questioned whether the initial engagement with the suspect could have been handled differently, while others have praised the coordinated efforts of the SWAT team and hostage negotiators who worked tirelessly to resolve the situation.
At this time, the community anxiously awaits more information from law enforcement as both investigations continue. Given the complexity of the case, authorities are expected to provide updates as soon as new details emerge.
A Call for Information
Authorities are actively seeking any individuals who may have information related to the incident. SLMPD’s Homicide Division has encouraged anyone with knowledge of the situation to come forward, as even seemingly small details could be crucial to understanding what transpired during this tragic event. Tips can be directed to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
Moving Forward: Questions and Concerns
As the investigation unfolds, there are still many unanswered questions that need to be addressed. The exact causes of death for all victims, including Anthony and the other three individuals, remain under investigation. The identity of the woman and man found inside the house is expected to be revealed in due time. Additionally, the timeline of events leading to the officer-involved shooting is under review, and the community is awaiting answers to understand the full scope of what transpired that morning.
Conclusion
The tragic events of May 9, 2025, have cast a somber shadow over St. Louis, with four lives lost, including Anthony (aka #LongLiveUncleSnaccs), and three others whose identities are yet to be fully disclosed. As investigations into the deaths and the officer-involved shooting continue, the public is left searching for answers and seeking justice for the victims involved. While the specifics of the case are still being pieced together, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
