The Big Bloody: Gunmen Attack North City Dice Game -- One Dead, Three Wounded

Street gambling turned deadly last night in the 2800 block of Hadley in St. Louis -- just a few blocks from a popular north city restaurant.

St. Louis police say the victims were playing a "dice game" outside a residence near the intersection of Hadley and Wright streets when "at least three black males snuck into the backyard where the victims and others were gathered and started shooting."


The shooting occurred around 8:17 p.m. Tuesday.

Killed in the melee was 18-year-old William Sherrill, a resident of the neighborhood. Police report he was shot in the head and arm and pronounced dead at the scene. Other victims include a 25-year-old male and 25-year-old female who are in stable condition at an area hospital. A fourth victim, a 27-year-old male, is in critical condition with bullet wounds to the neck, shoulder and legs.

Police believe the shooting was not a random incident and that one or more of the victims was the intended target. The police also report that witnesses to the shooting seem to be employing the "stop snitchin'" mantra.

In a media release today, the police state: "Many people at the scene indicated they did not see anything, however the investigation has revealed that there were multiple witnesses at the scene at the time of the shooting." 

Police urge anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS. And lest you be labeled a "snitch," the police remind everyone that callers can remain anonymous.