The Walnut Park West neighborhood in north St. Louis remains in deep mourning after a horrific incident that claimed the lives of 45-year-old Latasha Brown and her 9-year-old daughter Paige Buckner.
Early Sunday morning, December 21, 2025, around 12:10 a.m., St. Louis City Fire Department crews responded to reports of a fire in the 5700 block of Floy Avenue. Upon extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered the mother and daughter inside the home suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to area hospitals in critical condition, where Paige succumbed to her injuries later that same day.
Latasha fought valiantly but passed away Monday evening, December 22, with family by her side. Homicide detectives and the Bomb and Arson Unit have classified the case as a double homicide, determining the victims were shot inside the residence before the fire was intentionally set, marking this as a deliberate and devastating act of violence.
Latasha Brown was a devoted mother whose world revolved around her children, including her oldest daughter DeLisa Nelson, who has spoken publicly about the unimaginable pain of losing both her mother and younger sister. In the tight-knit community of north St. Louis, Latasha was remembered for her warmth and the quiet strength she brought to her family life.
Paige, a bright and sweet young girl, had recently begun settling into their home on Floy Avenue, where neighbors described her as kind-hearted and full of life. The sudden loss of this mother-daughter pair just days before Christmas has left an especially heavy shadow over the holiday season, turning what should have been a time of joy into one of profound grief for relatives and those who knew them.
The Walnut Park West neighborhood, with its modest homes and strong sense of community, has responded with an outpouring of support. A growing memorial of candles, balloons, flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes now covers the front of the burned-out residence, as neighbors stop by in tears to pray and seek understanding. Family members have established a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses, allowing loved ones to honor Latasha and Paige with the dignity they deserve.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department continues its active investigation, following several leads while urging anyone with information to contact the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS, where tips can be submitted anonymously and may qualify for a cash reward.
This double tragedy has deeply affected the broader St. Louis area, where residents grapple with the senselessness of gun violence that claimed two innocent lives. The intentional nature of the fire following the shooting underscores the calculated brutality of the crime, prompting renewed calls for community vigilance and cooperation with authorities. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on bringing answers and accountability to a family shattered by this unimaginable loss.
The deaths of Latasha Brown and Paige Buckner serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating ripple effects of violence on families and neighborhoods. In Walnut Park West, where everyday moments of connection and care define daily life, this incident has united people in shared sorrow and determination to support one another through the healing process.