Fatal Track Meet Shooting Leads to Adult Murder Case

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis County Family Court certified juvenile Jakai Lewis, 14, to stand trial as an adult for the March 2026 shooting at STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School.

On March 31, 2026, Lewis attended a multi-school track meet at McCluer South Berkeley. After the track meet, at around 7 p.m., Lewis and two other juveniles engaged in a verbal altercation. During the altercation, Lewis pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot juveniles L.S., 13, and J.P., who was 14 at the time of the shooting. L.S. later died as a result of his injuries.

Following Lewis’ certification hearing, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against Lewis for murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and two counts of armed criminal assault. Lewis will have his first appearance in state court on November 10, 2026.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith expressed her sympathies for the families of both boys who were shot and stated, “As a parent, it is distressing to think that children cannot even participate in and attend school sports without fear of violence. Now that the case is in our hands, we will assess the evidence and pursue justice for these boys.”

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to the Ferguson Police Department and Chief Troy Doyle for their diligence in investigating this incident.

Note: As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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