Marina
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A tragic domestic incident in St. Louis County has led to serious charges against a local man.
Martino Lewis, 21, is facing second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and third-degree domestic assault charges after the fatal shooting of his romantic partner, Kelsey Elem, 25. The shooting occurred on April 24, 2025, in the 5800 block of Grace Avenue.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office officially announced the charges on April 25, 2025. Officials believe the violent incident stemmed from a domestic dispute between the two individuals.
Incident Details
Officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to an emergency call just before 11:20 p.m. on April 24. When authorities arrived, they found Kelsey Elem suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
According to police reports, the incident appeared to result from a confrontation between two individuals who were romantically involved.
What the Investigation Revealed
The probable cause statement filed by prosecutors sheds more light on the tragic sequence of events:
- Eyewitness Testimony: A witness overheard Lewis and Elem arguing. During the altercation, the witness observed Lewis punching Elem.
- Victim’s Fears: Elem reportedly expressed fear of Lewis, mentioned she would retrieve her gun, and asked the witness to call 911.
- Gunshot and Flight: While the eyewitness was on the phone with emergency services, they heard a gunshot. They then saw Lewis flee the residence in Elem’s vehicle.
- Misleading Statements: After fleeing, Lewis reportedly handed a firearm to another individual and falsely claimed that Elem was shot while they were driving and that he had taken her to a hospital. Investigators later confirmed this account was false.
- Apprehension: Lewis was eventually apprehended in St. Louis City, still in possession of the victim’s vehicle. During questioning, he admitted that a physical altercation had occurred.
Charges and Bond Information
Following the investigation, prosecutors charged Lewis with multiple serious offenses. He is now being held on a $400,000 cash-only bond, with no 10% option available.
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Second-Degree Murder | Fatal shooting of Kelsey Elem |
| Armed Criminal Action | Use of firearm during commission of crime |
| Third-Degree Domestic Assault | Physical assault during domestic dispute |
Officials emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and additional evidence may surface as the case moves through the court system.
Community Reaction
The fatal incident has left the local community shaken. Neighbors expressed shock at the violent turn of events, stating they had heard loud arguments from the residence earlier but never expected such a tragic outcome.
The St. Louis County Police Department continues to encourage anyone with further information about the case to come forward.
The fatal shooting of Kelsey Elem highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence. With Martino Lewis facing serious charges, authorities stress the importance of addressing relationship violence before it escalates to tragedy.
The judicial process will now determine the full outcome, as the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short.