Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis

Man charged with first-degree murder in shooting: Police say it could be 'gang- or drug-related'

BY CAROLYN P. SMITH - News-Democrat

CENTREVILLE -- The Major Case Squad of St. Louis has charged a man in connection with the killing of a 34-year-old Centreville man last weekend.

Darnell Northington, 36, of Centreville was arraigned Friday on the charge of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Ramone L. Cole in Cole's home in the 7900 block of Bellevue.

A motive for the shooting "could have been gang- or drug-related," said David Roth, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad.

Darnell A. Northington - Provided/BND

Cole was shot in the back of his head and posterior torso Jan. 7.

"We were misled, and lied to from just about everyone we interviewed. And ... there were many interviews," Roth said.

Major Case Squad searches for missing woman, second person of interest in Centreville death

News-Democrat

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is looking for two people -- a man who is a person of interest and a missing woman who may be in danger -- in connection with a Centreville homicide.

Police identified on Wednesday a second person of interest in the homicide of Ramone L. Cole, 34. He was found shot to death Friday in his home in the 7900 block of Bellevue Drive.

Police are looking for Damien I. Jenkins, 37, who is considered armed and dangerous. He is currently on parole under federal charges, police said.

Police are searching for a missing woman who has various aliases, including Sandra Meraz, Rosa M. Romero-Lagarda, Shantay and Champaigne. Police said they have identified Darnell A. Northington, 36, as a person of interest. - Provided/BND

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477 or the Major Case Squad at 337-2148.

Police have in custody Wednesday another person of interest, Darnell A. Northington, 36.

Police continued their search Wednesday for a woman who they say may be missing and possibly endangered.

The woman has various aliases, including Sandra Meraz, Rosa M. Romero-Lagarda, Shantay and Champaigne.

Police released a photo of the missing person that showed a woman with blonde hair, but her hair is currently dark brown, police said.

She was last seen about 9:48 p.m. Friday at the McDonald's on West Main Street in Belleville, police said.

"Attempts to locate her have been made both in and out of the area with negative results," police stated in a news release.

Anyone who knows about her whereabouts is asked to call the Major Case Squad at 337-2148 or 781-1285.

Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/12/1548351/major-case-squad-searches-for.html#ixzz1AqQ3B1Fv

Major Case Squad IDs Centreville homicide victim

BY CAROLYN P. SMITH - News-Democrat

CENTREVILLE -- The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis on Sunday identified the victim in Saturday's homicide in Centreville.

Dave Roth, commander of the Major Case Squad for the Centreville homicide, identified the victim as Ramone L. Cole, 34, of the 7900 block of Bellevue Drive.

Cole was shot to death inside a home on Bellevue.

No arrests have been made. But Roth said members of the Major Case Squad are still hard at work developing leads and piecing together information while they continue their search for the gunman who took Cole's life.

"We would appreciate any tips the public might have," Roth said.

Anyone with any information regarding the murder is urged to call the Major Case Squad at 337-2148.

Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/10/1545005/centreville-homicide-victim-is.html#ixzz1Adzr6UKx

Major Case Squad called to investigate Centreville murder

BY CAROLYN P. SMITH - News-Democrat

CENTREVILLE -- A man in his mid 30's was found shot to death inside of a home in the 7900 block of Bellevue Drive.

Police did not release many details about the murder other than to confirm the death.

The Major Case Squad has been called to assist in the investigation.

"Yes, we have activated the Major Case Squad to investigate the death of a Centreville resident," said Assistant Police Chief James Mister.

Mister declined to say how many times the person was shot.

"Everything is under investigation at this time," he said.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was found at 7906 Bellevue.

The commander of the Major Case Squad, Dave Ross, could not be reached for comment.

Police have not released any information about whether there was a quarrel between individuals prior to the shooting or if police have identified any persons of interest.

Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/08/1543268/major-case-squad-called-to-investigate.html#ixzz1ATGuvtuI