Suspect in MetroBus Murders Arrested for Fatal Shooting

Suspect in MetroBus Murders Arrested for Fatal Shooting. A St. Louis County MetroBus shooter has been charged with killing two people.

2:45 p.m. saw a shooting in the 8400 block of Airport Road. Witnesses said shots were fired into the MetroBus, killing Jaron Jackson-Craig, 37, and Jorge Andres Cantor Pinzon, 34.

Two first-degree murder, four armed criminal action, one robbery, and one unauthorized use of a weapon charges have been filed against 36-year-old Anthony Laron Frazier.

Frazier was driving a Bellefontaine Neighbors automobile stolen earlier in the day, according to criminal documents. He blocked the MetroBus on Airport Road with the stolen car. After leaving the car, Frazier fired at the bus, boarded it, and kept shooting before fleeing in the stolen car.

“He had seen the victim earlier and felt like he had disrespected him by staring at him the wrong way,” said Major Case Squad Deputy Commander James Whettington.

Police said Frazier confessed to armed robbery and murder after arrest. The stolen automobile was located in St. Louis.

Berkeley Police Chief Art Jackson called the incident “horrendous case” and was shocked by the brutality.

Frazier had minor offenses, including firearms and burglary in 2006 and narcotics charges in 2017, according to former prosecutor and defense attorney Kristi Flint. However, former St. Louis County Police Chief and Councilman Tim Fitch called for stronger penalties for petty crimes.

The incident caused panic and anxiety, according to witnesses. Elgin Ford was shocked and Chris Woods, a Metro passenger, worried about public transportation safety.

This event follows a January shooting and stabbing on a MetroLink train and a July deadly shooting in East St. Louis.

Bi-State Development condemned the violence and appealed to law enforcement for assistance.

Bi-State Development, which runs Metro Transit, expressed concern and emphasized their collaboration with law enforcement in the inquiry.

“This afternoon shots were fired on a MetroBus that was stopped at a bus stop on Airport Road,” Bi-State Development said. “Law enforcement responded immediately and Metro Transit is fully cooperating with investigators. This brazen conduct highlights our region’s violent crime epidemic. All inquiries about this crime should go to the investigating police.”

The MetroBus shooting has rocked the neighborhood, making many question public transportation safety. These occurrences underline the need of addressing crime in the area, putting law enforcement under pressure to create effective ways to protect homeowners and commuters.

Local officials are working to make citizens safer by reducing violence and boosting community policing.

After this catastrophe, citizens should be watchful and report suspicious activities to police. The community can fight violence and develop a better, more resilient society for future generations by supporting each other.

The tragedy also revived criminal justice reform discussions. Some urge harsher sentences for repeat criminals, while others stress the necessity of resolving social and economic causes that cause crime.

Elgin Ford, a witness to the shooting, shared community disbelief and indignation. “What the hell is going on?” Ford exclaimed, indicating growing worry over local violence.

The incident made regular Metro traveler Chris Woods apprehensive about public transportation. “It’s nerve-racking just knowing I commute like that,” remarked. “I will want to get a ride before I get on the bus now cause nobody wants to get caught in nobody’s crossfire.”

A MetroBus shooting adds to a string of violent occurrences on regional public transit. One MetroLink train passenger was shot and another stabbed in January. One guy was shot and died on a MetroLink train in East St. Louis last July, while another was hospitalized after being beaten while exiting the train in Downtown St. Louis a month earlier.

The city remains on edge as officials investigate the MetroBus shooting, reeling from another senseless act of violence. Residents are encouraged to support one other and unite in the face of adversity amid calls for justice and responsibility.

The tragedy highlights the critical need for collaboration to address the root causes of violence and implement effective measures to protect citizens. Working together and advocating for change can help the community eliminate occurrences like this.

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