ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A man has just been charged following a deadly shooting that happened last night, April 24, in the 5800 block of Grace Ave. in St. Louis County.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on April 25 that it has charged Martino Lewis, a 21-year-old from St. Louis, with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and third-degree domestic assault. 

Prosecutors allege that Lewis fatally shot his romantic interest, Kelsey Elem, 25, in a domestic dispute.

St. Louis County police from the Affton Southwest Precinct were alerted to the shooting, which was reported just before 11:20 p.m. Officials said Elem sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital.

She passed away due to her injuries, according to police. 

In the aftermath of the event, officials from the St. Louis County police said, “the incident appears to be the result of an altercation between two individuals known to one another.”

The probable cause statement surrounding the incident reads:

“Victim and defendant (Lewis) were in a romantic relationship. 

An eye witness overheard victim and defendant arguing and observed the defendant punch Victim. Victim stated that she was afraid of the defendant and was going to get her gun and asked the eyewitness to call the police. 

While on the phone with 911, the eyewitness heard a gunshot and observed Defendant run out of the residence and flee the scene in Victim’s vehicle. 

The defendant provided a firearm to another witness and stated the victim had been shot while they were driving and that he had taken her to the hospital, which investigation proved to be untrue. 

Defendant was apprehended in St. Louis City while still in possession of Victim’s vehicle and admitted that a physical altercation had occurred.”

Lewis is currently being held on a $400,000 cash only, no 10% bond.