Shooting of a Total Stranger Described as “Thrill Kill”

ST. LOUIS, MO (April 19, 2024) — A jury found Shyheim El-Mu’min, 45, guilty of two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and property damage for shooting at two people in a parked car at a Taco Bell on June 27, 2023, in the 600 block of North Kingshighway Boulevard in the City’s Central West End neighborhood.

A man and woman in a 2008 Audi pulled into the drive-thru lane of the Taco Bell at about 1 a.m. on the day of the shooting. El-Mu’min’s red sedan was already in the drive-thru lane, facing in the wrong direction. The glare of the headlights of El-Mu’min’s car prevented the couple from identifying him. The victims then heard gunshots and saw a muzzle flash in their direction before ducking for cover. About an hour and a half later, El-Mu’min was pulled over during a traffic stop in Madison County, Illinois and arrested. St. Louis police later found bullet holes in the front of the Audi and the engine block. A bullet casing found on the scene was later matched to El-Mu’min’s firearm. 

El-Mu’min will be sentenced on June 7, 2024. As a prior and persistent offender with felony convictions for assault, robbery and violence to an employee of the Department of Corrections, El-Mu’min could receive additional jail time. 



“We are pleased the jury determined that this violent felon should be taken off the streets,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “Our community is safer as a result of the diligence of this office in conjunction with law enforcement agencies on both sides of the river.” 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Circuit Attorneys Bret Rich and Kennard Jones.

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