Inset: Timothy Kemper (City of St. Louis). Background: The St. Louis, Mo., neighborhood and area where Timothy Kemper lives (Google Maps).
A St. Louis man who allegedly spotted a group of males going through his car armed himself and opened fire, striking two people, including one who later died, police said.
Timothy Kemper, 39, of St. Louis, has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action in connection with the July 16 shooting.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Kemper lived on the second floor of a nearby building when he “observed an individual from the group of males enter his car and begin rummaging through it.” Authorities did not specify whether Kemper allegedly fired from inside his apartment or went outside before the shooting.
“He retrieved his firearm and fired several rounds at the group,” the affidavit states. “The defendant struck victim 1 and victim 2. The victims were dropped off at the hospital. Victim 1 died from his injuries and victim 2 was struck in his mid back, left flank, left arm, and right chest.”
Officers were first called to the hospital where the victims had been taken, then responded to the shooting scene. Kemper later surrendered to police and “informed them that he was the shooter,” the affidavit says. In court filings, his attorney described Kemper as a “lifelong resident” and said he had been “acting in self-defense.”
Investigators said surveillance footage showed the group accused of targeting Kemper’s vehicle walking near where it was parked and “checking car handles,” according to the affidavit.
Before Kemper turned himself in, police located his vehicle and said it “had been broken into and rummaged through,” according to a police press release. Kemper then came out of his residence, “admitted involvement in the incident and surrendered himself to officers,” the release says.
“Following an in-custody interview, homicide detectives arrested Kemper and presented their findings to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, who elected to issue charges of murder 1st degree, assault 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of armed criminal action,” the police release explains.
Kemper is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 17.
