Officers responded to the scene and found a 44-year-old man shot in the torso.
ST. LOUIS — A suspect is facing charges after a man was fatally shot Tuesday in south St. Louis near River Des Peres Park.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office issued charges Wednesday of first-degree murder and armed criminal action against 36-year-old Erik Seitz in connection to the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Dennis Bieg.
The shooting happened shortly after 4:15 Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of River Des Peres Boulevard and Wanda Avenue in south city’s Boulevard Heights neighborhood, police said. Officers responded to the scene and found a man, Bieg, shot in the torso. He was not conscious or breathing when taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A portion of River Des Peres Boulevard was shut down for some two hours as police investigated.
Police did not provide any further information on what led up to the shooting or the relationship between the Seitz and Bieg. They focused much of their attention on a red work van labeled Bieg Plumbing Company. Neighbors said they had seen that truck in the area before.
5 On Your Side cameras were rolling as a tow truck arrived to haul it away.
On Wednesday, Bieg Plumbing said in a statement that Bieg had been killed in an “unexpected incident” Tuesday that was unrelated to his work with the company.
“I have received several calls from residents that live in very close proximity to the incident and they are very concerned and rightfully so. This is alarming, particularly at the time of day it took place and in a fairly active park,” Ward 2 Alderman Tom Oldenburg said.
He said he’s in touch with investigators to get answers.
“Violent crimes and homicides are very unusual for this neighborhood,” Oldenburg said.
Bicyclist Jerry Neubert rides through the park every night. On Tuesday, he had to turn around after noticing crime scene tape.
“Not happy about it. Too much of that is going on these days,” he said. “I just got to make a detour.”
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Division was requested to the scene.
Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update this story as soon as information becomes available.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence “helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence.”
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.
