A Missouri mother and her teenage daughter were fatally shot outside their home after an elderly neighbor confronted them over a noise-related complaint, authorities said. The gunman later shot himself and died several days afterward.
Jessica Lashly, 38, and her 17-year-old daughter, Jersey Greer, were killed at their home in House Springs, Mo., after 73-year-old Robert Winkelman approached them around 8:30 p.m. on July 25, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said Winkelman had gone to the neighboring property to complain about “activities at the residence” when he confronted Lashly outside the home.
During the encounter, officials said, Lashly made a remark that angered Winkelman. He then drew a gun and shot her in the head.
Greer immediately rushed to help her wounded mother and tried to provide first aid, authorities said. Winkelman then fired at the teenager, also striking her in the head.
“Jersey’s last moments, she was trying to save my mom,” Greer’s twin sister, Justice, told KSDK. “It just shows how brave she is, and I hope I can be half as brave as she is.”
Justice Greer, who was at work when the shooting happened, said her mother and sister had only just arrived back at the House Springs home when Winkelman confronted them.
“They had just gotten home, and I kept thinking I wish my mom weren’t outside at that time. Obviously it wasn’t her fault. We don’t even know our neighbors, so it’s not anything she could’ve controlled,” the grieving teen said.
Winkelman allegedly chased a third person at the home but didn’t fire a shot.
Police reported to the house, where they found Winkelman and attempted to detain him, but the gunman turned the gun around and shot himself in the head.
Lashly, Greer and Winkelman were all rushed to local hospitals in critical condition.
Lashly and Greer died two days later on July 27, their family wrote in their shared obituary.
“Though their lives ended far too soon, the love they shared as mother and daughter will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew them,” the family wrote.
At the time of her death, Jersey Greer donated several of her organs to help six patients across the country, her friends said on social media.
“Knowing that three children and three adults have another chance at life because of Jersey brings a measure of peace during this hard season of our lives,” the post read. “While we would give anything to have her here, we are so proud of the incredible gift she gave.”
Greer, a rising high school senior who played lacrosse with her twin sister at Northwest High School, dreamed of playing college lacrosse with her twin sister after graduation.
“She was literally just the funniest person ever,” Justice Greer said of her sister. “She could make anybody laugh. She was really supportive about anything and everything. She could always tell when someone was sad or needed uplifting, and she was always the one to do it.”
Her teammates remembered her as a compassionate leader with a great personality.
“If you know Jersey, you know the joy, kindness, and light she brings to everyone around her. As her lacrosse family, we have witnessed her strength, determination, and the incredible person she is both on and off the field. Now it’s our turn to stand beside her and her family,” the team wrote in a GoFundMe.
Following the deaths of Lashly and Greer, officials obtained a no-bond arrest warrant for Winkelman, who was still hospitalized in critical condition.
He was charged with two counts of Assault in the First Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.
Winkelman, however, died Sunday from his gunshot wound and is unable to be tried for the horrific murder, the sheriff’s office said in an update on Tuesday.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
