Inset: Timothy Kemper (City of St. Louis). Background: The neighborhood and area where Timothy Kemper lives in St. Louis, Mo. (Google Maps).
A Missouri man saw a group of males “rummaging” through his car, so he got a gun and started shooting at them — blasting two of the men, one of whom died, according to police.
Timothy Kemper, 39, of St. Louis, is facing charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action in connection with the July 16 shooting.
A probable cause affidavit says Kemper lives on the second floor of a nearby building and “observed an individual from the group of males enter his car and begin rummaging through it.” It”s unclear whether Kemper allegedly opened fire from his apartment or went outside and confronted the group.
“He retrieved his firearm and fired several rounds at the group,” the affidavit says. “The defendant struck victim 1 and victim 2. The victims were dropped off at the hospital. Victim 1 died from his injuries and victim 2 was struck in his mid back, left flank, left arm, and right chest.”
Police were dispatched to the scene of the shooting after being called to the hospital where the victims were. Kemper surrendered to officers and “informed them that he was the shooter,” per the affidavit. His lawyer wrote in court filings that Kemper is a “lifelong resident” who was “acting in self-defense.”
Police say the group of males who allegedly targeted Kemper’s car were caught on surveillance cameras walking in the area where his vehicle was parked and “checking car handles,” per the affidavit.
Before Kemper turned himself in, investigators found his vehicle and reported that it “had been broken into and rummaged through,” according to a police press release. Kemper exited his residence and “admitted involvement in the incident and surrendered himself to officers,” the release says.
“Following an in-custody interview, homicide detectives arrested Kemper and presented their findings to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, who elected to issue charges of murder 1st degree, assault 1st degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of armed criminal action,” the police release explains.
Kemper is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 17.
