On Monday, January 25, 2021, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspects Christopher Williams, 28 years of age, of the 4400 block of South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri 63111, and Jalen Simms, 26 years of age, of the 4800 block of Penrose Street in St. Louis, Missouri 63115, each for one count of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Armed Criminal Action. Williams and Simms are being held on a $1,000,000 cash only bond. Mugshots of Williams and Simms are attached. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The probable cause statement reads: On 10-23-19, Deryon Thomas, Jalen Simms and Christopher Williams all three chased down Caleb Smith. Thomas and Williams exited the maroon Chrysler and started to shoot at the victim as he ran away. Caleb Smith was found shot and killed at the scene. Thomas was caught in the area and was arrested. A witness to the shooting identified him as one of the shooters who had a blue hoodie on. Thomas was on Facebook live in the stolen maroon Chrysler minutes before the shooting wearing a blue hoodie and holding a pistol. Thomas’ DNA was found in the Chrysler and also a shell casing was found in the vehicle that matched the casings at the scene. Simms was seen on Facebook live moments before the shooting in the stolen Chrysler, and Simms’ phone put him at the scene of the shooting. The day before this shooting a maroon Chrysler was seen on video after a reported shooting in Alton, Illinois and a video got a plate off the vehicle D7229-AN. When the vehicle was later found, investigators found Simms’ cellular device had been connected to the maroon Chrysler infotainment system. When police searched and arrested Simms at his apartment, they found a plate D7229-AN and ammunition that matched the casings at the scene. Simms’ Facebook records made numerous statements about being involved in the homicide with Thomas and Williams. Williams was captured on video surveillance fleeing the scene on foot with Thomas. Williams was identified as one of the shooters in a photo lineup by an eyewitness. Williams’ phone also put him at the scene of the shooting.
Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading the investigation.
### 21011 |
Media Relations Staff:
SERGEANT BENJAMIN GRANDA 314-615-4282 |
POLICE OFFICER tracy panus 314-615-4278 |
MS. VERA CLAY 314-615-2505 |