Jamad Edwards, 16, Killed in Early Morning Shooting on Minnesota Avenue in Tower Grove East: Community Reeling as Police Seek Answers in Unsolved South St. Louis Homicide
In the early hours of April 16, 2025, gunfire echoed through the otherwise quiet Tower Grove East neighborhood in South St. Louis. It was around 2:20 a.m. when police received several urgent 911 calls reporting shots fired on the 2800 block of Minnesota Avenue. Officers arrived swiftly on the scene, where they discovered a young male lying motionless in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was later identified as Jamad Edwards, a 16-year-old high school student and lifelong resident of St. Louis. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Initially mistaken for an adult male due to the nature of the scene and limited identification, authorities later confirmed the victim’s age, prompting an outpouring of sorrow, anger, and frustration from family, friends, and a community all too familiar with gun violence.
Who Was Jamad Edwards?
Jamad Edwards was more than just another name in a headline—he was a beloved son, a younger brother, a loyal friend, and a teenager with dreams that extended far beyond the city blocks of South St. Louis. According to family members, Jamad was known for his quiet demeanor, sharp wit, and love for music and sports. He was a student at Roosevelt High School, where he was described by teachers as bright and capable, albeit a bit reserved.
“He always carried his headphones, always humming something. Music was his escape,” said Ms. Linda Holmes, a faculty member at Roosevelt. “He was creative and thoughtful. You could tell he had a big heart.”
His cousin, Marcus Hayes, shared that Jamad had recently begun writing lyrics and producing beats in his spare time. “He wanted to start a YouTube channel, get his stuff out there,” Hayes said. “He talked about getting out of St. Louis someday, not because he didn’t love his city, but because he wanted to come back and change it.”
The Night of the Shooting: What We Know So Far
On that fateful night, neighbors reported hearing a series of rapid gunshots, followed by silence. One resident, who asked not to be named, described the scene as “chaotic and heartbreaking.”
“I heard five, maybe six pops. I looked out the window and saw someone lying in the street,” she said. “I called 911 right away, but there was nothing I could do.”
When police arrived, they found Jamad alone. There were no immediate witnesses to the shooting, no surveillance footage readily available, and no known motive. As of April 22, 2025—nearly a week later—no arrests have been made.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police have confirmed that homicide detectives are leading the investigation, but information remains scarce. “We are working diligently to follow up on every lead and urge the community to come forward if they know anything,” said Detective Brian Mullen at a brief press conference on April 18.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Jamad Edwards has sent shockwaves through Tower Grove East and beyond. While the neighborhood has seen its share of crime over the years, the murder of a 16-year-old in such a brazen and violent manner has sparked renewed outrage.
A vigil held at the site of the shooting drew nearly 150 community members. Friends and classmates lit candles, left flowers and handwritten notes, and shared stories about Jamad’s life.
“He had his whole life ahead of him,” said longtime resident and local activist Carla Jennings. “We’ve lost too many young people. Too many futures stolen.”
A mural of Jamad now adorns the side of a nearby building—painted by a local artist who grew up in the area. “It’s not just for Jamad,” the artist, who goes by Mello, told reporters. “It’s for every kid who didn’t get the chance to grow up.”
Gun Violence in St. Louis: A Persistent Crisis
Jamad’s death is tragically emblematic of a broader epidemic of gun violence plaguing St. Louis and other cities across the country. According to 2024 crime data, St. Louis had one of the highest per-capita homicide rates in the nation, with many victims under the age of 25.
“This isn’t just a policing issue. It’s a systemic issue,” said Dr. Tamika Owens, a sociologist at Washington University. “We’re talking about poverty, education inequity, disinvestment, and a lack of opportunity. These are the conditions breeding violence.”
Several local organizations have been working to address these root causes. Groups like Cure Violence, The T, and Better Family Life have all weighed in on Jamad’s case, emphasizing the need for community healing and proactive intervention.
Family’s Grief and Plea for Justice
Jamad’s mother, Tanya Edwards, spoke publicly for the first time on April 20, flanked by relatives and a representative from CrimeStoppers. Tearfully clutching a photo of her son, Tanya made a direct appeal to the community.
“My baby was just 16,” she said, her voice shaking. “He wasn’t in no gang. He wasn’t a threat to nobody. Whoever did this—please come forward. If you know something, say something. Don’t let his death be for nothing.”
Tanya revealed that Jamad had recently been working on improving his grades and was excited about an upcoming spring break trip. “He had just started turning things around. He was finally smiling again.”
CrimeStoppers is now offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Investigation Updates and Community Frustration
Police have been tight-lipped about specifics, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. However, sources within the department say they are exploring multiple leads, including the possibility that Jamad may have been targeted by someone he knew.
There is also speculation about the role of social media in the incident. Investigators are currently reviewing Jamad’s online activity and phone records for clues.
Still, for many in the community, the pace of the investigation feels painfully slow.
“We’ve seen this play out too many times,” said activist Devonte Reed. “A young Black boy is killed, and the case goes cold. We’re tired.”
Youth at the Center of a Crisis
Jamad’s story is tragically familiar in a city where too many teenagers are caught in the crossfire of systemic violence. In the first four months of 2025 alone, at least nine minors have been killed by gunfire in St. Louis. Advocates say this points to an urgent need for youth-centered intervention.
“We need safe spaces for our kids,” said community leader Cheryl Dawkins. “We need mental health support, after-school programs, mentorship—something to give these kids a reason to hope.”
Local nonprofits are mobilizing in the wake of Jamad’s death, organizing town halls and youth summits aimed at preventing future violence.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Jamad Edwards’ death has become a rallying cry for change in South St. Louis. But for his family, change won’t bring back their son. What they want—what they need—is justice.
“I just want answers,” Tanya Edwards said. “I want whoever did this to look me in the eye and tell me why. Why my son? Why Jamad?”
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to call the St. Louis Homicide Division at (314) 444-5371. Anonymous tips can be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
In Jamad’s Memory
As the community mourns, many are finding ways to honor Jamad’s memory. A scholarship fund is being established in his name at Roosevelt High School, intended to support students pursuing careers in music production and creative arts.
His favorite song—“The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby—played during the vigil, as friends embraced one another and vowed to keep his spirit alive.
“We gonna keep your name alive, Jamad,” said his best friend, D’Andre Miller. “You were more than a hashtag. You were family.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Jamad Edwards’ death has shaken South St. Louis to its core. He was just a kid—full of dreams, full of potential, full of life. Now, he is another victim of a city, and a country, still struggling to come to terms with its epidemic of violence.
The question now is: How many more?
How many more Jamads must we lose before something changes?
If you have any information about the shooting death of Jamad Edwards, please contact the St. Louis Homicide Division at (314) 444-5371. Anonymous tips are accepted through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
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