St. Charles County, Missouri – In a tragic turn of events, a man from the Metro East area faced an untimely demise following a standoff with law enforcement officers after allegedly killing his girlfriend. Clyde E. Young, 28, of Godfrey, was accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend, 41-year-old Amy Lynn Delacruz. The incident culminated in Young taking his own life during the confrontation at a gas station in West Alton.
According to police spokesperson Cpl. Barry Bayles, both Young and a police officer discharged their firearms, resulting in Young’s death due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The sequence of events unfolded swiftly after authorities responded to reports of a shooting at a truck lot in Foristell, prompting an investigation that led to the discovery of Delacruz’s body in Young’s truck at the location.
Following Young’s disclosure to authorities about the incident, including confessing to shooting his girlfriend after an argument the previous evening, a series of developments ensued. Initially indicating intentions to surrender in Madison County, where he resided, Young later directed his surrender plans to St. Charles County authorities. Subsequently, a confrontation between Young and law enforcement officers transpired at a gas station near the Lewis and Clark Bridge, resulting in a prolonged negotiation period before the fatal outcome.
Amidst the unfolding events, traffic in the vicinity was diverted for safety measures as Young faced second-degree murder charges brought by prosecutors. Despite a warrant issued for his arrest and a substantial bail amount imposed, the standoff concluded tragically with Young’s death. Notably, Young had no prior felony convictions in Illinois or Missouri, further adding complexity to the circumstances surrounding the incident. The episode serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic disputes turning fatal.