ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The community is grappling with grief after 17-year-old Damonte Hightower was fatally shot late Friday night in a shocking act of violence. The incident occurred in the 11000 block of Larimore Road and followed a verbal altercation, according to authorities.
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The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed that 23-year-old Nykelte Wilburn has been charged with second-degree murder and several related offenses. Court records indicate that police responded around 10:37 p.m. on August 29, 2025, after receiving a ShotSpotter alert. Surveillance footage reportedly captures Wilburn shooting Hightower shortly after a brief exchange of words.
Emergency responders rushed Hightower to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 12:17 a.m. on August 30. Wilburn was identified through both eyewitness testimony and video evidence.
In addition to second-degree murder, Wilburn faces charges including two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon (shooting from a motor vehicle), and failure to report a shooting. He is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
Authorities continue to investigate the case and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist law enforcement in piecing together the events that led to this tragic loss.
The incident has sent shockwaves through St. Louis County, highlighting ongoing concerns about youth safety and gun violence in the community.