The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in the 2008 murder of Officer Demond Taylor, a police officer with St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. This marks a major development in a 17-year investigation, bringing long-awaited justice to Officer Taylor’s family, colleagues, and the community.
On June 20, 2008, just after 6 p.m., officers responded to the 5100 block of Page Boulevard for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located 34-year-old Officer Taylor, who had been shot and pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the incident, Officer Taylor was off duty and not in uniform.
Over the years, SLMPD Homicide Detectives pursued every lead, conducting numerous interviews and re-examining evidence with relentless dedication. Their persistence, combined with critical community cooperation, led to the arrest of a 46-year-old man, who was 29 at the time of the crime. Detectives determined that Officer Taylor was mistakenly believed to be affiliated with a rival gang during an ongoing feud, which tragically led to his death.
“This type of senseless murder will not be tolerated in our city,” said Chief of Police Robert Tracy. “For 17 years, our detectives refused to give up on this case, and their hard work has now delivered justice. As Officer Taylor’s family prepares to mark what would have been his 52nd birthday, I pray they find some peace knowing the suspect responsible is behind bars.”
Officer Taylor’s tragic loss continues to be felt by his family, fellow officers, and the St. Louis community. His dedication to public service lives on through this resolution.
During a news conference Saturday, Chief Tracy expressed his appreciation for the current and former SLMPD officers and Homicide detectives on the case, in addition to FBI St. Louis and Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore for their assistance bringing justice to Officer Taylor’s family.
“This case is one example of how our outstanding partnership with SLMPD is getting justice for victims. FBI St. Louis has been working hand in hand with homicide detectives on all aspects of this cold case murder for years, from the underlying investigation, to the suspect apprehension, and even interview of the suspect,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We have personnel embedded full time with the police department to work side by side to investigate and solve such violent crimes.”
Statement from St. Louis Community College:
“St. Louis Community College expresses its gratitude to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and all law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation that led to the arrest of a suspect in the tragic killing of Officer Demond Taylor. Officer Taylor, a respected member of the STLCC Police Department assigned to Florissant Valley Campus, was fatally shot in 2008. There was no indication that his shooting was related to his employment. We hope solving this case brings comfort to Officer Taylor’s colleagues and family.”
SLMPD reminds the public that many unsolved cases remain open. It only takes one courageous individual to come forward and provide the information necessary to help bring closure to victims’ families.
View Unsolved Homicide investigations here.
Anyone with information about unsolved crimes is urged to contact the SLMPD Homicide Division or remain anonymous through CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-TIPS.
Watch the news conference with Chief Tracy and Circuit Attorney Gore below: