In the heart of St. Louis’ Walnut Park West neighborhood, a vibrant life was silenced on a quiet Sunday evening, August 24, 2025. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the sound of gunfire shattered the calm along the 5000 block of Goodfellow Boulevard. When police arrived, they discovered 46-year-old Corey Exum, a resident of St. Louis County, lying near a building, his body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the swift response, Exum was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a grieving community and a mystery that has yet to be unraveled.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s homicide detectives have taken the lead in investigating this tragic incident. Officers were initially alerted to the shooting at the intersection of Goodfellow Boulevard and Lillian Avenue, where the echoes of a violent act reverberated through the neighborhood. Residents reported a blast so powerful it shook homes, dislodging pictures from walls and even rattling drywall from ceilings, a stark reminder of the force of the tragedy that unfolded.
Corey Exum, known to loved ones as “DeeOne,” was more than a name in the headlines. A heartfelt tribute on a memorial site revealed the depth of loss felt by those closest to him, with one mourner lamenting, “Six months without my DeeOne, and I still feel lost.” The outpouring of grief underscores the personal impact of Exum’s death, a man whose absence leaves a void in the lives of family and friends. As candles are lit in his memory, the community grapples with the weight of yet another life lost to gun violence.
Investigators are still piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, but details remain scarce. No suspects have been identified, and the motive behind this senseless act remains elusive. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving this case. Those with tips are encouraged to contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371 or, for those wishing to remain anonymous, CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477), where information leading to a felony arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
As the investigation continues, the Walnut Park West neighborhood mourns the loss of Corey Exum, a man whose life was cut tragically short. His death marks another chapter in the ongoing struggle against gun violence in St. Louis, a city that has seen its share of sorrow. The community now waits for answers, hoping for justice and a chance to heal from a wound that has left an indelible mark on their streets.
