New details emerge in teen’s shooting death at downtown loft

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - A teen was shot and killed in downtown St. Louis Friday night.

Police said the teen was found shot inside the lobby of the Ely Walker Lofts at 15th and Washington around 11:20 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Saturday, police identified him as 16-year-old Terrion Smith of North City.

Monday, Public Safety Director Dan Isom provided an update during a Downtown Engagement and Public Safety meeting. He said Smith’s death appeared to be a targeted shooting, and they are now looking into the unit inside the building they say was rented out for a party the same night of the shooting.

“We do know that there was a large crowd at the party. The victim was serving as the doorman. He was in the lobby allowing guests into the elevator and to attend the party when the shooting occurred. A second subject not associated with the event was also in the lobby when the shooting occurred and was also struck in the ankle. He is stable condition with a minor wound,” said Isom.

Isom said they cannot confirm if the unit was rented via AirBNB but their investigative team is looking into it. News 4 talked to residents inside the building over the weekend who’ve raised concerns about units in the building being used as short-term rental properties, and those units are leading to disturbances associated with the building. The St. Louis Downtown Neighborhood Association said this is something they’re looking into.

Homicide detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477 and leave an anonymous tip.

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