St Louis Man Charged with Murder After Shooting at Group of People Rummaging Through His Car

A St. Louis man is facing multiple charges, including murder, after police say he shot at a group of people rummaging through his parked car.

Timothy Kemper, 39, is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action, according to court records.

According to the court documents obtained by WSMV, Kemper’s legal representation claimed he acted in self-defense.The charges stem from a shooting around 9 a.m. Thursday in the 6500 block of Scanlan Avenue, located in St. Louis’ Lindenwood Park neighborhood

According to a probable cause statement, a group of males (ages undisclosed) were walking down Scanlan Avenue and checking car handles when they approached a car belonging to Kemper.

Kemper, who lived on the second floor of a nearby building, observed one individual from the group enter his car and rummage through it. A short time later, he retrieved his firearm and fired several shots at the group, per the probable cause statement.

Investigators say he struck two people, both who were dropped off at a hospital with gunshot wounds. One died from his injuries, while the other is being treated in critical condition. Kemper surrendered himself to police and informed officers that he was the shooter, per the probable cause statement.

Kemper was also charged with first-degree murder, which by state law means deliberation, or specifically “cool reflection for any length of time, no matter how brief.” Kemper was booked into jail Thursday without bond and has a pending arraignment hearing, according to Missouri court records.

Will Kemper’s Self-Defense Claim Stand Under Missouri Law?

Under Missouri law’s definition of self-defense, a person is allowed to use force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or another from the use or imminent use of unlawful force. Deadly force, however, is subject to stricter requirements.

In general, Missouri allows deadly force when:

· The person reasonably believes it is necessary to protect against death, serious physical injury, or a forcible felony.

· The person is defending against someone unlawfully entering or attempting to enter a lawfully occupied dwelling, residence, or vehicle (Missouri’s castle doctrine).

· Missouri is also a “stand your ground” state, meaning there is generally no duty to retreat if the person is lawfully present where the force is used.