St. Louis, Mo. — A tragic Christmas Day shooting at a local gas station has left a family shattered and their holiday forever changed. The shooting claimed the life of 68-year-old Albert Willis, whose family members describe him as a loving father and a cherished community member.
Scheron Courson, Willis’ sister, recounted a joyful conversation with him earlier that day, filled with plans for dinner. Just hours later, she received the devastating news that he had been shot. “I spoke to my brother at 12 o’clock that day, and at 2, he’s dead. I don’t even know what to say,” Courson shared, grappling with the sudden loss.
Local police responded to reports of gunfire at a BP gas station shortly after 2 p.m. on December 25, where Willis was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. According to family members, witnesses reported a dispute between Willis and a man and woman moments before the shooting.
“He always expected to return home to his family on Christmas. That was his tradition,” said Jordan Pippin, Willis’ niece. “To have that taken away is unfathomable.”
Described as a regular patron of the gas station, Willis had a routine that included enjoying boiled eggs and oatmeal each morning before heading out to play the lottery. His favorite number, 58-58, was one he encouraged others to play, believing it was destined to win. His daughter, who chose to remain unnamed, revealed that he had also been battling cancer, which made the circumstances of his death even more painful for the family.
The loss is magnified by tragedy, as Willis’ family endured another devastating blow just months earlier with the death of his granddaughter, 29-year-old Trinity Staten, who was fatally shot in October.
“This can’t happen to anyone else. It shouldn’t have happened to us,” Pippin stated, voicing the family’s outrage and grief.
Willis was well-known in his community as a dedicated car salesman, and his former employer, Danielle Windmueller, remembered him for his remarkable work ethic and supportive nature. She is now raising funds to assist his family during this unfortunate time. “Albert was the hardest worker I ever met. We talked about life and our families every day,” she said.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to provide support for Willis’ grieving family. The police continue to investigate the shooting and are seeking assistance from the public. They have released descriptions of the two suspects wanted in connection with the crime.
Authorities are looking for a Black woman between 27 and 30 years of age, standing 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall with a medium build and long black hair. The male suspect is described as a Black man aged 30 to 35, approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall with a thin build and short to medium “twisties” hairstyle.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the St. Louis Homicide Division or reach out anonymously through CrimeStoppers for potential rewards. As the community grapples with this heart-wrenching loss, the search for justice continues.