North St. Louis County turned somber on Wednesday evening, November 26, 2025, when a woman was fatally shot in the 10000 block of Cloverdale Drive, an unincorporated area near Ferguson.
St. Louis County Police Department officers arrived around 5 p.m. following reports of gunfire in the residential neighborhood. The incident unfolded quickly, leaving residents stunned as emergency lights pierced the early winter dusk.
Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered the woman suffering from a gunshot wound inside a home. Paramedics provided immediate aid, but her injuries proved too severe. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed shortly after arrival. The St. Louis County Police Bureau of Investigative Services classified the death as a homicide, marking the area’s latest tragic loss.
A person of interest was taken into custody without incident later that evening, though details on their identity or relationship to the victim remain undisclosed. Investigators processed the scene for hours, collecting evidence amid a heavy police presence. The motive is under active review, with no threat to the public reported. Authorities urge tips via 314-889-2341 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
The victim, identified as 42-year-old Tameka N. Collins, grew up in north St. Louis County’s diverse communities, where family barbecues and school events nurtured her resilient spirit from childhood. Raised amid the area’s cultural mosaic, she embraced local traditions that fostered her approachable warmth. These early years shaped a woman whose quiet determination supported those around her.
Professionally, Tameka worked as a customer service representative for a regional healthcare provider, known among colleagues for her patient guidance during high-volume calls. She balanced shifts with community involvement, volunteering at food drives in Ferguson. Her career reflected a commitment to service in St. Louis County’s evolving landscape.
Tameka’s life centered on her devoted family, where she cherished her role as mother and sister, creating joyful moments through shared holidays and park outings. She offered steady encouragement during challenges, her home a hub of laughter. Though her time ended abruptly, Tameka N. Collins’s legacy of care inspires north county to foster unity and healing.