ST. LOUIS, MO (October 21, 2025) — Police are investigating a fatal shooting that began as a ShotSpotter alert early Friday morning, ultimately claiming the life of a young woman identified as Raykel Thompson, who succumbed to her injuries days later.
According to a statement from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), the incident unfolded around 1:00 a.m. on October 18 when officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Biddle Street, just north of downtown St. Louis.
The department reported that a ShotSpotter notification a gunfire detection alert first came through, which was quickly upgraded to a shooting call after additional information reached dispatchers.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a vehicle that had come to rest against a fire hydrant.
Inside, they found a woman who had sustained at least one gunshot wound.
Police said she appeared to be unresponsive but still showed faint signs of life.
Emergency medical personnel were called in, and the woman was rushed to a nearby hospitalfor emergency treatment.
The victim was later identified as Raykel Thompson, a St. Louis resident whose age and further background were not immediately released by authorities.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Thompson’s condition deteriorated, and she was pronounced dead on October 21, three days after the shooting.
The SLMPD Homicide Division has since taken over the investigation.
Detectives spent several hours processing the crime scene in the early morning hours, collecting shell casings, documenting the vehicle, and canvassing the neighborhood for potential witnesses or surveillance footage.
Investigators have not yet announced any suspects, motives, or arrests, and the department has appealed to the public for help in piecing together what led to the deadly encounter.
The area where the shooting occurred near the Carr Square neighborhood, just west of downtown has experienced a rise in gun violence in recent months, prompting community leaders to renew calls for greater investment in neighborhood safety and violence prevention.
Residents in the vicinity reported hearing several gunshots around the time of the incident, followed by the sound of a car crashing.
Friends and relatives of Raykel Thompson have expressed deep grief and frustration, describing her as a loving daughter and friend whose life was cut short by senseless violence.
Community advocates say her death highlights the ongoing struggle to curb shootings across the city.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371 or reach out anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
Tipsters may be eligible for a reward if the information leads to an arrest.
As the investigation continues, Thompson’s death adds to the growing number of homicide victims in St. Louis this year, underscoring the city’s ongoing battle with violent crime a tragedy that has now left yet another family searching for answers and justice.
