ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — A dozen men accused of "coordinated criminal attacks" on passengers of the Metrolink are charged with several felonies, including murder, assault and robbery.
Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner says the men posed a significant threat to public safety, preying on lone riders and the weak.
"This criminal enterprise targeted vulnerable and isolated people on the trains and platforms, typically engaging their victims in conversation before surrounding them, robbing and assaulting them," Gardner said.
The investigation began after the August 2018 shooting death of Craig LeFebvre, a well-known St. Louis County Health Department employee, who was waiting at the Grand Avenue bus stop south of Saint Louis University when the suspects tried to rob someone nearby who opened fire, hitting LeFebvre with a stray shot.
The men are charged with various crimes at the Metrolink stations near Forest Park, Union Station, 8th and Pine downtown, and at some bus stops.
Metro CEO Taulby Roach applauded the indictments, saying the public has been demanding safer public transit and this makes Metrolink safer.
As the indictments were announced, Gardner's team said nine suspects are in custody and the rest being sought.
Starting in the top left corner of the photo and continuing clockwise, the men above are: Dejon Brown, Christopher Brown, Armani McKinley, Antreion Betts, Devante Dickerson, Ernest Johnson, Matthew McNealy and Ronnie Pope.