A spokesperson for the Clayton Police Department stated that, at this time, they have no evidence to confirm that the incident in Clayton was a kidnapping.
The victim’s brother told 5 On Your Side that a family member witnessed her being forced into a car in Clayton prior to her death. St. Louis police believe she was compelled to drive from Clayton through various areas of St. Louis.
The woman’s body was discovered at 11 a.m. in an alley on the 4700 block of Greer Avenue, after officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area. Police said the victim’s formal identification would be made later by the medical examiner.
Family members identified the victim as 37-year-old Michelle Hampton. Her brother, Mike Potter, said she was taken at around 7:15 a.m. while leaving for work. “She was a good person. She wasn’t involved in bad stuff. I don’t know how she got caught up in this,” Potter said.
Police have not confirmed whether Michelle was abducted or went with the suspects willingly. However, they believe the crime was a targeted act of violence, not a random event.
A family member claimed they saw two men exit a vehicle near Michelle’s home on Whitburn Drive in Clayton, force her into the car, and steal her vehicle. Michelle’s twin sister, Samantha, was driving down the street when the abduction occurred. Potter said she attempted to stop the men and followed them, but the assailants shot at her car, with her children inside, at Euclid and Enright in North St. Louis. Thankfully, no one was injured.
5 On Your Side’s Megan Kernan spoke with the family shortly after they were informed that their sister was the same woman found dead later that afternoon. “We were told by officers inside that they drove her around a couple different ATMs and made her withdraw money before they shot her five times in the head in the alley,” Potter said.
Police confirmed that shots were fired in the area on Wednesday morning and said the incidents were linked but did not provide further details.
“I wouldn’t think it’s some random people because why choose my sister? It has to be somebody that knows my sister,” said Potter.
The crime scene on Greer Avenue, where the body was found, is located between Hickey Elementary School and North Side Community Elementary School.
A representative from Hickey Elementary told 5 On Your Side that the school went into a soft lockdown and canceled outdoor recess in response to the shooting. The lockdown was later lifted.
A representative from North Side Community Elementary said they were not notified about the shooting or the investigation until 5 On Your Side reached out.
No suspects have been apprehended. Both St. Louis and Clayton Police are investigating the case, which remains ongoing.
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for funeral expenses.
