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A violent casino-related robbery in St. Louis that took place on March 15, 2025, has led to formal charges against three suspects.
The case, which gained attention after the victim reported being held at gunpoint, has now progressed with critical arrests and felony charges.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened, who was involved, and where the investigation stands now.
The Incident: Robbery in Walnut Park West
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the robbery occurred just after 11 p.m. in the 5000 block of Goodfellow Boulevard, a street located in the Walnut Park West neighborhood.
The victim, a 41-year-old man, had been gambling at DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois, when he encountered two men and one woman who offered to give him a ride home. The man accepted their offer, unaware of the planned robbery.
Once they crossed the Mississippi River back into Missouri, the suspects took the victim to a secluded alley off Goodfellow Boulevard.
There, both men reportedly brandished firearms, demanded cash, and assaulted the victim by striking him in the face with one of the guns.
The suspects stole approximately $2,500 in cash and forced the man out of the vehicle, leaving him behind.
Evidence and Investigation
Following the robbery, security footage from the casino was reviewed. It showed the victim and the trio exiting the casino and entering a gray 2008 Honda Civic with Ohio license plates.
Using this footage and other leads, detectives identified the suspects involved:
- Jeffrey M. Burnett, age 32
- IE Mone D. Edwards, age 27
- Jalyn T. Freeman, age 32
All three have prior criminal records, with Burnett and Freeman having felony convictions on their record. These records likely played a role in accelerating the identification and warrant process.
Current Status and Charges
As of May 16, Jalyn T. Freeman was arrested and is being held in custody. He is scheduled for a detention hearing on May 28. Arrest warrants have been filed for the other two suspects — Burnett and Edwards — who were not in custody at the time of reporting.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has formally filed charges against the three suspects:
| Suspect Name | Age | Charges Filed | Custody Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalyn T. Freeman | 32 | First-degree robbery, armed criminal action | In custody, hearing on May 28 |
| IE Mone D. Edwards | 27 | First-degree robbery, armed criminal action | Arrest warrant issued |
| Jeffrey M. Burnett | 32 | First-degree robbery, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm | Arrest warrant issued |
Legal Ramifications
The suspects are facing serious felony charges:
- First-degree robbery in Missouri is classified as a Class A felony, punishable by 10 to 30 years or life in prison.
- Armed criminal action adds mandatory minimum sentencing, often requiring additional consecutive years.
- Unlawful possession of a firearm, charged against Burnett, further compounds potential sentencing.
If convicted, the suspects are likely to face significant prison time, especially considering their prior criminal history.
Public Safety and Police Response
According to Capt. Lisa Hayes, the police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety, as the robbery appears to be a targeted incident rather than a random attack.
However, residents in the Walnut Park West area are being urged to remain vigilant, and anyone with information is asked to assist the ongoing investigation.
This casino-related robbery sheds light on how quickly a night of leisure can turn dangerous. With three suspects now identified and one in custody, St. Louis authorities continue to pursue justice.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of caution when accepting rides from strangers — even when intentions may initially seem harmless.