Hailey
A tragic case has emerged in the city of St. Louis after the death of a young child has been officially ruled a homicide by investigators.
Below is a comprehensive rundown of the case as it stands, key facts, timeline, and what it means for the community.
What happened
On Monday evening, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) responded to a call in the 4900 block of Thekla Avenue.
Shortly afterward, emergency responders were alerted to a 2-year-old boy found unresponsive near the interchange of Interstate 70 and St. Louis Avenue.
The toddler—identified as Bre’yeon Wells—was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The case was initially deemed suspicious. Two adults who were reportedly with the child at the time were interviewed by detectives and then released pending further investigation.
After an autopsy, the city’s Medical Examiner found evidence of strangulation and other injuries, prompting the ruling that the boy’s death was a homicide.
Why this matters
The ruling elevates the case from a suspicious death to a homicide investigation, meaning the homicide division of the police department is engaged, and the case now carries the implications of deliberate violence rather than accidental death or neglect.
Community safety becomes more urgent: law enforcement has called for public assistance, urging anyone with information—especially those who live in or near the area or saw something around the time of the incident—to come forward.
At-a-Glance- Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Bre’yeon Wells, age 2 |
| Time of call | About 10:40 p.m., Monday |
| Initial location | 4900 block of Thekla Avenue |
| Secondary location | Near I-70 & St. Louis Avenue |
| Medical Examiner’s finding | Evidence of strangulation and other injuries |
| Official ruling | Homicide |
| Persons questioned | Two adults present with the child; released pending further investigation |
| Investigating agency | SLMPD Homicide Division |
| Community appeal | Public asked to contact CrimeStoppers with tips |
What the investigation is doing next
Investigators are likely following these steps:
- Reviewing 911 call logs and dispatch times to establish the timeline.
- Collecting physical evidence from both the Thekla Avenue location and the I-70/St. Louis Avenue area.
- Checking CCTV and doorcam footage from nearby properties in the timeframe of the incident.
- Interviewing additional witnesses in the neighbourhood.
- Conducting forensic review of the medical examiner’s autopsy to determine exact cause of death and timeline of injuries.
- Searching for any possible motives or prior incidents of abuse or neglect connected to the child or household.
No arrests have been reported publicly yet; the case remains under active investigation with a strong emphasis on public tips.
Community safety message
While the investigation continues, neighbourhood residents are encouraged to:
- Check home security cameras, doorbell footage or phone videos from the time of the incident.
- Report any unusual activity — vehicles or people seen loitering, children unsupervised, or anything out of the ordinary.
- Cooperate with the police if contacted; even small details may help piece together the timeline.
- Stay alert to the welfare of young children in the area—signs of distress, injury or unusual behaviour should be reported.
The death of 2-year-old Bre’yeon Wells has been officially ruled a homicide, underscoring the severity and urgency of the investigation.
With no arrests yet reported, law enforcement is relying on the community for assistance in piecing together what led to this tragic event.
For every resident, neighbour and witness in the affected area, any piece of information could prove vital.
Community vigilance and cooperation—through sharing footage, reporting unusual activity, and staying alert—will be an essential part of seeking justice for the young child and providing closure to the family.