ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A 17-year-old teen, Terrence T. Smith Jr., has been charged as an adult with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal actions, and attempted robbery, in connection to the shooting death of an 18-year-old, Jerimiah Grayer. The incident took place in the city’s Dutchtown neighborhood on September 27, 2022.
Smith, who was initially arrested as a juvenile at the time of the shooting, is currently in custody without bond, according to court documents. He was recently certified as an adult by the court.
Grayer and three other juveniles, including Smith, were reportedly involved in an attempted robbery when the shooting occurred. The victim of the robbery, a 32-year-old man, pulled out a gun and exchanged fire with the group, resulting in Grayer’s death and injury to the man.
A witness provided a description of the suspects who fled the scene, leading to Smith’s arrest. Moreover, incriminating photos were found, showing Smith pointing a rifle at the robbery victim. In his interview with police, Smith admitted to attempting to rob the man at gunpoint, leading to the fatal confrontation.
Additionally, under Missouri’s felony murder rule, Smith is being charged with murder due to the death occurring while he was involved in another criminal act. His two co-defendants, who were minors at the time of the shooting, have also been charged in connection to Grayer’s death.
The case of the two co-defendants remains in juvenile court, and their identities have not been disclosed. The victim of the attempted robbery sustained gunshot wounds and was found at a nearby hospital.
Smith’s recent certification as an adult and subsequent murder charges highlight the tragic consequences of the attempted robbery, with the legal proceedings shedding light on the events leading to the fatal shooting in September.