A man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a shooting at a birthday party at Ramona Lake, which resulted in one fatality and three injuries. The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, also led to a chaotic scene as attendees attempted to flee, with one car ending up submerged in the lake. The accused, Devion J. Sneed, is also facing eight additional charges related to the shooting, according to St. Louis County prosecutors.
The charges against Sneed include two counts of first-degree assault, four counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and theft of a firearm. He is currently being held on a $600,000 cash-only bond. The shooting took place around 5:20 p.m. at Ramona Lake in Berkeley, where a birthday celebration was underway. Police were initially called to the scene following reports of two gunshot victims.
Upon arrival, officers discovered another gunshot victim and a car submerged in the lake. The shooting reportedly erupted following a disagreement among friends. The victims included three men and one woman, according to Berkeley police. Two of the injured were transported to the hospital by ambulance, while another drove himself. The female victim attempted to drive herself to the hospital but crashed en route.
Authorities have yet to release comprehensive details regarding the condition of the surviving victims. It is also unclear whether additional suspects are being sought or if more charges could be filed as the investigation progresses. The chaos extended beyond the immediate shooting area as attendees attempted to escape. One individual, in their haste to flee, accidentally reversed their vehicle into Ramona Lake. A man and an infant were also in the car at the time, but all occupants managed to escape the vehicle.
Ramona-Mathison Lake Park, located in Berkeley near St. Louis Lambert International Airport, is a popular spot for gatherings. The late afternoon timing of the shooting made the incident particularly visible to locals. The identity of the individual celebrating their birthday and the number of attendees have not been disclosed.
The charges against Sneed represent the first significant legal development in the case. First-degree murder is the most severe homicide charge in Missouri, typically associated with premeditated killings. The additional charges suggest multiple assaults and the use of a firearm during the crimes. Sneed’s bond was set at $600,000 cash only. The date of the next court hearing has not been disclosed.
The initial emergency call reported two shooting victims, but the count increased as more evidence and victims were discovered. The final count released by police was four victims: three men and one woman. The deceased has been identified as Lamonte Keys. The names of the injured victims have not been released. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to rely on witness statements, medical records, shell casings, vehicle evidence, and any available video footage.
The incident has left a mark on what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion, with emergency responses scattered across the park, a car crash, a vehicle in the lake, and multiple hospital trips. The argument that sparked the violence has not been publicly disclosed. The case is now proceeding through the St. Louis County court system, with the Berkeley police continuing their investigation.