Man Arrested and Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting in North City St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MO — A 44-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a young man at the James House Apartments in North St. Louis, bringing a tragic case one step closer to justice. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Johnny Haynes, Jr. was taken into custody on April 23, 2025, and is now facing multiple serious charges: Murder in the First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m., when officers responded to a distressing call for a shooting at the James House Apartments, located in the 4300 block of Saint Ferdinand Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered 27-year-old Mikell Rayford inside one of the apartment units, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Despite immediate response from EMS, Rayford was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities quickly launched a full-scale investigation, led by the department’s Homicide Division, to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting. Details regarding the events leading up to the fatal encounter have not yet been fully disclosed, but investigators believe Haynes played a central role in the confrontation that resulted in Rayford’s death.
Johnny Haynes, Jr. is also facing a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, which indicates he was not legally permitted to have a weapon at the time of the incident. According to court documents and police reports, Haynes’ criminal history may have prohibited him from lawfully owning or carrying a firearm, adding another layer of severity to the case.
The arrest comes as a relief to the Rayford family and community members who have been awaiting answers for nearly a month. The tragedy of losing a young man in the prime of his life has shaken residents of the area, particularly those who live in and around the James House Apartments. Mikell Rayford is remembered by those who knew him as a kind-hearted individual with dreams and ambition—his life cut tragically short in a senseless act of violence.
As the case moves forward through the legal system, prosecutors will work closely with detectives to present evidence and seek justice for Mikell and his family. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police continue to urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Tips can be directed to the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371, and anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers.
Gun violence continues to be a devastating issue in many communities across St. Louis, and this tragic incident is a painful reminder of the need for continued outreach, intervention, and justice. Community leaders are calling for increased support for local youth, neighborhood safety initiatives, and accessible mental health and conflict resolution programs in the wake of this loss.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the life of Mikell Rayford and supporting his grieving loved ones as they navigate this difficult time.
This investigation remains active. Updates will be provided as more details become available.