ST. LOUIS, MO  (March 2, 2026) — Julius Massey, 43, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action for killing 48-year-old Payton Winston in the City’s O’Fallon neighborhood. Massey entered his guilty plea on March 2, 2026, on the eve of his trial. 

The charges relate to the March 13, 2024, shooting at a residence in the 4600 block of Pope Avenue. Massey, Winston, and a witness drank together at the witness’s home. Massey and Winston, former romantic partners, began arguing. The witness left the room. Winston went into the bathroom, and Massey followed her. The witness heard a gunshot, continued arguing, and then additional gunshots. Massey then left the residence. Police responded and found Winston dead in the bathroom with two gunshot wounds to the head.

The witness identified the shooter as “Twin,” a name Massey uses. Detectives contacted Winston’s daughter, who provided Massey’s name and details about his relationship with the victim. Both the witness and the victim’s daughter identified Massey in photo lineups. After officers arrested him, Massey admitted he was present at the residence during the shooting.

“This defendant’s decision to reach for a gun during an emotional argument has led to an irreversible tragedy,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “We will aggressively prosecute those whose heated emotions lead to gun violence.”

Chief of Homicide Tanja Engelhardt and Assistant Circuit Attorneys Allan Kaiser and John Edwards prosecuted the case.

The defendant’s case number is 2422-CR00746-01.