News
34-year-old Benjamin Merritt killed in an alleged road-rage shooting on Highway 141 in Fenton
53-year-old Robert Mulkey charged with first-degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action in Merritt’s death.
Update: The deceased individual has been identified as 34-year-old Benjamin Merritt from High Ridge, MO.
A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the homicide investigation near Highway 141. On Friday, November 10, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges against 53-year-old Robert Mulkey of Crystal City, Missouri, for First Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.
The probable cause statement states that on or about November 10, 2023, both the victim and Mulkey were involved in a road rage incident in the vicinity of Highway 141 and the intersection of Gravois Bluffs.
After causing a traffic stop, the victim exited his vehicle and approached Mulkey, who remained in his car. Following an exchange where the victim flicked his cigarette at Mulkey’s face and was returning to his vehicle, Mulkey allegedly shot him in the back, resulting in the victim’s death.
Original Report:
St. Louis County, MO (November 10, 2023): St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide on Highway 141 near Gravois Bluffs Boulevard that resulted in the death of an adult male.
At 8:10 AM, St. Louis County police officers from the City of Fenton Precinct responded to a call for service for a traffic hazard in the area of Highway 141 and Gravois Bluffs Boulevard. Responding officers located two vehicles in the roadway on Highway 141 and an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The male was transported to an area hospital for life saving treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigation has revealed the victim and suspect were involved in a road rage incident northbound on Highway 141. The two stopped their vehicles in the roadway and engaged in a verbal argument which resulted in the victim being shot by the suspect. The suspect is in custody.
The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.
Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).
