Hyde Park Man Convicted in Murder of Landlord During Eviction Dispute
May 24, 2025

ST. LOUIS, MO (May 23, 2025) — James Cody Jr., 30, was found guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action by a jury on Friday for the March 8, 2022, murder of Michael Kelly, 72, in the 3900 block of North 25th Street in the City’s Hyde Park neighborhood.


The case stemmed from an ongoing landlord-tenant dispute. Mr. Kelly, the victim, was the landlord of a residence on the 4000 block of North 22nd Street, where Cody’s girlfriend, Deseray Rabb, had stopped paying rent. Despite a court-ordered eviction, Rabb refused to vacate the property. As the legal process unfolded, Cody, who was not listed on the lease but was the father of Rabb’s three children, began threatening Mr. Kelly.


On the morning of the murder, surveillance footage captured Cody following Mr. Kelly as he drove to his office. Once parked, Cody was seen approaching the vehicle with a rifle and fatally shooting him. A Nissan Sentra rented under Rabb’s name was spotted in the area and later recovered with ballistic damage concealed by duct tape. Cody was arrested days later at a St. Louis County motel, where he and Rabb were staying with their children.


The jury recommended a sentence of 25 years for second-degree murder and 10 years for armed criminal action. Cody’s sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2025.


Deseray Rabb, Cody’s girlfriend and co-defendant, was charged with accessory to first-degree murder and accessory to armed criminal action. She was acquitted by the jury.


Tanja Engelhardt, Homicide Unit Chief, and Assistant Circuit Attorneys Timothy Wright and Emily Price prosecuted the case.


“This was a ruthless, targeted killing over a lawful eviction. This senseless act of violence has destroyed multiple families. We will relentlessly prosecute those who choose to settle disputes with gun violence to the fullest extent of the law,” said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.


Cody’s case number is 2322-CR01089.



For Immediate Release

For more information contact:

Amber Raub

Public Information Officer

St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office

rauba@stlouiscao.org

314-589-6233 (office)

314-312-9912 (cell)

More News

July 18, 2025
Tekeia Henderson, 49, was sentenced to life in prison today for killing his son, Demarko Henderson, 31, after a family argument that turned deadly.
July 16, 2025
A man who shot and killed another man on a North City street late last year has admitted guilt. Deandre Johnson, 31, pled guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the December 15, 2024, killing of 22-year-old Kyle Fitzgerald.
July 11, 2025
Branden Leachman, 21, pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and first-degree robbery in St. Louis Circuit Court, receiving a 20-year prison sentence for his role in a New Year's Day 2024 assault.