Assaults Occurred in 2023 in St. Louis Hills



ST. LOUIS, MO (May 23, 2024) — Osmani Haji Gul, 35, was found guilty of assaulting two boys in separate incidents on July 16 and July 23, 2023, in the City’s St. Louis Hills neighborhood.

Beginning in the fall of 2022, Haji Gul roamed the area around Francis Park for several months, using it as a hunting ground for vulnerable children. One boy was attacked while riding his bicycle; the other was attacked after playing with his friends in Francis Park. Haji Gul is an Afghan refugee who moved to St. Louis with his wife and children in 2021.

A jury took three hours to find Haji Gul guilty of first-degree statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct involving a minor, and fourth-degree assault. Statutory sodomy carries a sentence of 10-30 years to life in prison. Sexual exploitation of a minor carries a sentence of up to four years in prison. Fourth-degree assault of a minor is punishable by up to one year in jail. Haji Gul waived jury sentencing and will be sentenced by a judge on August 19, 2024.

The case was prosecuted by Special Victim Unit Supervisor Jeremy Crowley and Assistant Circuit Attorney Robert Hollers.

“Haji Gul’s pattern of predatory behavior was an intolerable threat to the children of this community,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “We applaud the courage of these young victims and their families in coming forward to assist in our prosecution.”  

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