Background: Law enforcement inspects the site of a fatal shooting in St. Louis, Missouri (KMOV/YouTube). Inset: Marvin Byrd (St. Louis City Justice Center).
A man in St. Louis, Missouri, stands accused of fatally shooting his roommate while they were en route to watch college football because his roommate failed to contribute to drug expenses.
Marvin Byrd, 54, faces charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and felony resisting arrest. He was apprehended on Saturday, the day of the incident.
As per a probable cause statement accessed by Law&Crime, Byrd and his roommate, whose identity has not been disclosed, left their residence on Saturday to attend a small gathering for college football viewing. However, Byrd allegedly grew “agitated” with his cohabitant.
The reason for his agitation? A “perceived lack of financial contribution to the household and recreational drug expenses,” according to court documents. Byrd allegedly shot his roommate in the street, placed his Sig Sauer P320 handgun on the ground, and waited in his vehicle until authorities arrived.
An eyewitness reportedly heard the gunfire on Henner Avenue in north St. Louis and saw Byrd “standing in the street with the firearm while [the victim] was on the ground.” The witness confirmed Byrd was the only person present with a firearm. No other weapons were discovered.
Though Byrd reportedly waited in his vehicle for responding law enforcement, once officers did arrive, he allegedly “fought” against being handcuffed. Finally, he was arrested, read his Miranda rights, and interviewed – where police say he offered several different statements.
Byrd claimed his roommate was being verbally “reckless” and that the man “charged at him,” the affidavit states. The suspect later said that the shooting “was an accident” and a result of “a long build-up of frustration” with the roommate.
Surveillance footage from a nearby door camera assisted in the police investigation. Video from local CBS affiliate KMOV apparently showed investigators tracking bullet casings on the ground at the crime scene.
Officers also noted how Byrd had a prior conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Court records show Byrd was arrested at around 11 p.m. on Saturday. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 15.
