A St. Louis man faces first-degree murder charges after he shot two people he said were rummaging through his car, killing one of them. The July 16 incident led to his arrest and surrender to police.
Timothy Kemper, 39, of St. Louis, is accused of retrieving a firearm and firing several rounds at a group of males after seeing one enter his car. One victim died from injuries at the hospital while the second suffered wounds to the mid back, left flank, left arm and right chest.
Police responded after the victims arrived at the hospital. Kemper surrendered and told officers he was the shooter. Investigators confirmed his vehicle had been broken into, and surveillance footage showed the group checking car handles in the area.
Kemper's lawyer stated in court filings that he is a lifelong resident acting in self-defense. He faces additional charges of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action.
Kemper is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 17.