Inset: Timothy Kemper (City of St. Louis). Background: The neighborhood where Timothy Kemper resides in St. Louis, Mo., captured by Google Maps.
In a shocking incident in Missouri, a man fired at a group of individuals he caught “rummaging” through his car. The gunfire left two men injured, and tragically, one did not survive, as reported by police.
Timothy Kemper, a 39-year-old resident of St. Louis, is now facing an array of serious charges. These include first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of armed criminal action, all stemming from the events of July 16.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Kemper, who lives on the second floor of a nearby building, allegedly spotted a member of the group entering his vehicle and searching through it. The document does not clarify whether Kemper fired his weapon from within his apartment or chose the confront the group outside.
“He retrieved his firearm and discharged several rounds toward the group,” the affidavit reveals. “The assault resulted in injuries to two victims. Both were later taken to the hospital; one succumbed to his injuries, while the other suffered gunshot wounds to several areas, including his mid-back, left flank, left arm, and right chest.”
Police were dispatched to the scene of the shooting after being called to the hospital where the victims were. Kemper surrendered to officers and “informed them that he was the shooter,” per the affidavit. His lawyer wrote in court filings that Kemper is a “lifelong resident” who was “acting in self-defense.”
Police say the group of males who allegedly targeted Kemper’s car were caught on surveillance cameras walking in the area where his vehicle was parked and “checking car handles,” per the affidavit.
Before Kemper turned himself in, investigators found his vehicle and reported that it “had been broken into and rummaged through,” according to a police press release. Kemper exited his residence and “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.