Prosecutors filed first-degree murder and animal abuse counts; a separate review is underway after an officer’s weapon discharged during the search.
ST. LOUIS — Prosecutors charged a St. Louis County man this week in the killing of his grandmother, an 81-year-old woman found fatally stabbed in her home late Sunday morning, after a multi-hour search that ended with a SWAT team surrounding a pickup at a city gas station.
Officials identified the suspect as Ronald Allred, 37, and the victim as Fannie Allred. In County Circuit Court, he faces first-degree murder, armed criminal action and two counts of animal abuse. City prosecutors charged him separately with two counts of resisting arrest. The case is drawing scrutiny because investigators say a county officer fired a single shot from inside a patrol vehicle during an earlier attempt to contact the suspect; no one was struck. Detectives said the discharge and the encounter are under review while the homicide investigation proceeds.
Police said the call came in shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, from the 8500 block of Jenny Drive. Officers who entered the residence found Fannie Allred on the floor with six stab wounds and pronounced her dead at the scene. Two French bulldogs inside the home had stab injuries; veterinarians expect them to recover, police said. According to charging documents, investigators learned Ronald Allred had been at the home earlier and stayed the prior night. A pickup believed to be connected to him was later spotted near Calvary Cemetery in north St. Louis, prompting city and county units to converge on the area.
Detectives said a county officer pulled alongside the pickup in a marked unit when the driver lowered his hands from the steering wheel and reached downward. The officer drew a handgun and fired one round that struck his own patrol vehicle. The driver fled. Around 3:15 p.m., officers located the truck at a gas station, where the suspect barricaded himself. SWAT officers moved in and took the driver into custody after negotiations. After being advised of his rights, investigators said, Ronald Allred admitted to stabbing his grandmother. He was booked into the St. Louis County Justice Center with bond set at $500,000 cash-only, with no 10% option.
Neighbors gathered along the sidewalk as detectives worked inside the brick house. “She walked the block in every season and waved to everyone,” said Carolyn Johnson, who has lived on the street for three decades. Another neighbor, Charlotte Howard, said the victim had recently completed cancer treatment and was a regular at Sunday services. “We all called her ‘Granny,’” Howard said. Police have not announced a motive. Investigators did not release the names of the veterinarians caring for the dogs or whether they will remain with relatives.
The case now moves to court, where prosecutors are expected to outline evidence including statements, forensic reports and images collected from the scene. A first appearance in County Circuit Court is anticipated this week; a preliminary hearing date will follow. City detectives will complete a separate review of the officer’s firearm discharge, standard for incidents involving unintentional gunfire, and forward their findings for internal review. Authorities said funeral plans for Fannie Allred will be shared by her family.
By late Tuesday, candles and flowers lined the curb on Jenny Drive. Patrol cars cruised past as relatives went in and out carrying small boxes. “She was the kindest woman you could meet,” Howard said. “This street won’t be the same.”
As of Tuesday night, Ronald Allred remained jailed on a $500,000 cash-only bond while detectives in the city and county finalize reports ahead of his first court appearance.
Author note: Last updated December 30, 2025.