Jardyn Walker’s death represents the tragic intersection of a promising life and a stark criminal investigation, unfolding with distinct clarity from its initial missing person report to the swift identification of a suspect.
The investigation began when 23-year-old Jardyn Walker was reported missing after failing to meet his sister for a ride home from work at the Amazon Hazelwood plant. University City police, working on this report, traced his cellphone signal to the 4200 block of Olive Street in the Central West End around 1 a.m. on Wednesday. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded and discovered Walker unresponsive with a fatal wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Contrary to initial reports, police later determined Walker died from a gunshot wound to the torso, not a stabbing. The case progressed rapidly when investigators connected it to a “shots fired” call from roughly four hours earlier (around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday) in the same vicinity.
A vehicle seen leaving that scene was stopped, leading to the arrest of an individual found with weapons. By Wednesday afternoon, 27-year-old Jamaal Jones was formally charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence.
Court documents reveal Jones and Walker knew each other and were together at a witness’s apartment on the night of the shooting. The witness reported hearing gunshots as Walker was leaving. Jones allegedly returned to the apartment afterward with an assault rifle, and a separate 911 caller identified him as the suspect. Upon arrest, Jones reportedly admitted to firing the gun and made a statement about fearing for his life; police also found shell casings in his pocket.
The killing shocked residents of the typically quiet area. A neighbor, whose property borders the alley where Walker was found, expressed disbelief, noting, “It’s crazy because nothing happens over here. Nothing”. Police have stated Walker was in the area for personal reasons, not for work. While a suspect is in custody, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department continues its active investigation and urges anyone with information to come forward.