St. Louis, MO: Police ID two men found dead in murder-suicide

Homicide detectives are investigating the deaths of two men in south St. Louis.


By Jordan Lanham
Two men were found dead inside a residence in south St. Louis

St. Louis Metropolitan Police have identified the two men found dead in an apparent murder-suicide.

Authorities said Monday that Robert T. Heckel, 71, of the 5200 block of Nagel Ave., in south St. Louis, was shot once in the head by James Jacob Hart, 51, also of the 5200 block of Nagel Avenue. Police said Hart then shot himself once in the head. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives were called at 12:15 p.m. Sunday to a home in the 5200 block of Nagel Avenue. Police said officers found two men dead inside the home. According to police, both men had been shot sometime between 8 p.m. Saturday and 12:15 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators gave the following account of the incident Monday morning:

The suspect, who is married to the victim’s daughter, had a physical altercation with his wife Saturday evening. She left the home following the incident but her father and husband remained in the home. When family members were later unable to reach the victim, they went to the home and discovered both the victim and the suspect dead. It is believed the suspect shot the victim then shot himself. The victim was found in a chair. The suspect was found in a bed. The gun the suspect is believed to have used was in the bed with him.
Email