Charles W. Kemp, 18, didn't have to pop the lock with a screwdriver, or bust out the window of the pickup he was trying to steal on Sunday morning. It was unlocked and the engine was already running.
But while the theft might have appeared easy, Kemp probably didn't count on the truck's owner shooting him dead.
The truck in question was a black, 1999 Ford F-150 extended cab, similar to the one below, according to Michelle Robertson of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
At about 10 a.m. on Sunday, Kemp tried to steal the truck, which was parked in front of the owner's residence in the 8400 block of Church Road in north St. Louis, when its owner came out with a gun.
The 31-year-old owner, whose name was not released fired more than one shot at Kemp as he was driving away. Kemp, of the 4400 block of Forest Park Avenue, was taken to a hospital where he died.
The truck owner was taken into custody for outstanding warrants.