JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — An Arnold man was arrested for murder Wednesday after another man was shot and killed in his own home less than 24 hours earlier.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, several people called 911 at about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday to report shots fired on Mockingbird Hill. Moments later, a call came in reporting someone had been shot.
Deputies responded to the House Springs home of 46-year-old Michael Gray and found him dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Through the night, detectives worked alongside deputies to follow evidence and witness statements before arresting 29-year-old Eric Collins at about 4 a.m. Wednesday.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged Collins with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection to Gray's death. He is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to "stabilize inner-city neighborhoods." One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.