ST. LOUIS – A teenager accused of robbery has died after a late-night ordeal that unfolded last month.
Gunshots pierced the quiet morning hours on July 20 just before 1:30 a.m. in the area of S. Ninth Street and Russell Boulevard. Police responded to a call for shots fired and upon arrival, they heard several gunshots as well as saw the occupants of a white SUV pulling an individual into the vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Two victims recounted that while the vehicle was parked, four men in dark clothing and ski masks approached their car. One of the masked men reached through an open window and started taking their belongings, while two others stood armed with rifles behind the car.
When one of the suspects went to open the car door, the passenger produced his own firearm and shot the suspect. The victims managed to escape unharmed but told police they heard gunshots as they were driving away.
Shortly after the incident, 15-year-old Givonni Diaz was dropped off at an area hospital by three males in a white vehicle, who then immediately drove away.
Diaz suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and was in critical condition until Aug. 6, when he succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, a ski mask was discovered at the hospital, which police believe is connected to the incident. The death of Diaz is classified at this time as a justifiable homicide as he was committing a robbery, but investigators are still working to identify and locate additional suspects responsible.
“The other individuals who were engaged in the commission of this robbery could potentially be charged with felony murder as it relates to (Diaz’s) death because they were engaged in the commission of a felonious act of robbery while (Diaz) was justifiably shot by the victim of the robbery,” Sgt. Charles Wall with the St. Louis City Police said. “But because they’re engaged in a felonious criminal act, those individuals committing that felonious act with him could potentially be charged with homicide.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371, or anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a possible reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
