Man fatally shot inside Soulard business; St. Louis police investigating circumstances and seeking public information

What police say happened

A man was fatally shot Monday afternoon in the Soulard neighborhood, prompting a homicide investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Officers were dispatched shortly after 1 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, to a reported shooting at a business on South Eighth Street near the Soulard Market area. Police said the victim, a 22-year-old man, was found inside the establishment suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police later identified the victim as Christopher Frye-Pleasant, 22, of St. Louis.

What remains unknown

As of Tuesday, January 27, investigators had not publicly released information about a suspect, an arrest, or a motive. Police said detectives are working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting, including whether the gunfire followed an argument, a targeted encounter, or another sequence of events.

Police did not disclose how many shots were fired, whether multiple people were involved, or whether surveillance video from inside or outside the business has been recovered. Authorities also did not report any additional injuries connected to the incident.

How the investigation typically proceeds

In a fatal shooting investigation, detectives generally work to establish a timeline using witness interviews, physical evidence collected at the scene, and available camera footage from the location and surrounding area. Investigators also seek to identify relationships, if any, between the victim and potential suspects, and to determine whether the shooting occurred inside the business or began outside and moved indoors.

Police described the information initially released as preliminary and subject to change as the investigation develops.

Public information request and contacts

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the department’s Homicide Division or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers.

• Homicide Division: 314-444-5371
• CrimeStoppers: 866-371-TIPS (8477)
• Direct tip line listed by police for this case: 314-444-2500

What to watch for next

Investigators may release additional details as evidence is reviewed and interviews continue, including confirmation of the exact location within the business, a clearer description of events leading up to the shooting, and whether any charges will be sought. The case remains active.