ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man accused of shooting a prostitute last month during an arranged meetup now faces felony charges.
Prosecutors have charged Norman Nelson with armed criminal action, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm amid the investigation. A criminal complaint was filed Thursday in the St. Louis Circuit Court.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, the victim met Nelson at his home on Jan. 22 “to engage in prostitution.” Nelson allegedly asked the victim to stay longer than they previously agreed, but she declined.
Court documents state that Nelson shot the victim in the back three times as she attempted to leave. The victim was able to escape and find a nearby business, where she contacted police over the situation.
Authorities then responded to Nelson’s home and noticed a shell casing along with blood on the floor. “It is clear there had been a recent attempt to clean up blood,” court documents stated.
Nelson denied knowing why police were questioning him, but informed them he did invite a prostitute over that night. Per court documents, he claimed that she attempted to rob him with a firearm, which led to a struggle in which shots were fired.
Police acquired a warrant to search Nelson’s home Thursday, which led to shotgun suspected in the shooting.
Per court documents, Nelson was previously convicted of sex crimes in 1989. Upon arrest, Nelson will be jailed in St. Louis without bond.
