St. Louis Man Charged in Mother’s Day Murder of Child’s Mother Over Custody Dispute

St. Louis Man Charged in Mother’s Day Murder of Child’s Mother Over Custody Dispute

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A St. Louis man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting and killing the mother of his child on Mother’s Day, in an incident authorities say stemmed from a custody dispute.

On Wednesday, the St. Louis City Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that 28-year-old Deandre Miller has been charged with eight criminal offenses, including first-degree murder, in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jorre Hadley.

The tragedy unfolded on May 11, just hours after Hadley had attended a Mother’s Day church service with her 3-year-old son. According to police, Hadley was sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle parked on the 4200 block of Maffitt Avenue in the city’s Ville neighborhood. Her 3-year-old son and siblings were also in the car at the time.

Investigators say Miller approached the vehicle and began arguing with Hadley over custody issues. The confrontation paused briefly as Hadley and her family left to visit a nearby auto parts store. When they returned, the argument resumed. Moments later, police said Miller walked away from the vehicle, only to return and open fire on Hadley at close range, shooting her multiple times before fleeing the scene in another vehicle.

Hadley was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family and neighbors devastated by the loss of a young mother who had simply been spending Mother’s Day with her children.

A major break in the case came on Tuesday, when officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 4600 block of Korte Avenue in the Penrose neighborhood. As they approached, officers spotted Miller, who attempted to flee. A K-9 officer named Admiral pursued Miller, who allegedly placed the dog in a headlock before ultimately being subdued and taken into custody.

Miller was booked Tuesday night into the St. Louis City Justice Center, where he is being held without bond. His charges include:

• First-Degree Murder (Class A felony)
• Armed Criminal Action (2 counts – Class U felony)
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class A felony)
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class C felony)
• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest (Class E felony)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class D felony)
• Assault on a Law Enforcement Animal (Class A misdemeanor)

The fatal shooting has sparked community outrage and deep sorrow, particularly as it occurred on a day meant to celebrate motherhood. Jorre Hadley is remembered as a loving mother whose life was senselessly cut short in front of those she cherished most.

Support services are being offered to Hadley’s family, including her young son, as they navigate the unimaginable trauma and grief left in the wake of this tragic act.