ST. LOUIS, MO (June 26, 2024) — A jury found Cleveland V. Washington Jr., 21, guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Deionta McCurry, 23, on August 21, 2022, in the 3600 block of Montana Street in the city’s Dutchtown neighborhood.  

The fatal shooting resulted from an argument between the two men over the best way to sell stolen catalytic converters. The shooting was captured on video cameras at a nearby residence.  

The jury recommended that Washington serve 30 years in prison for the murder and 15 years for armed criminal action, to be served consecutively. While awaiting trial, Washington was one of several individuals charged with taking a 73-year-old guard hostage and smashing TVs at the City Justice Center in August of 2023.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant Circuit Attorney Gordon Ankney, a partner at the law firm of Thompson Coburn LLP, and Assistant Circuit Attorney Grant Simon.

“Our team did an outstanding job presenting this case to the members of the jury, whose sentencing recommendations clearly reflect the danger this violent defendant posed to our community,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

Washington will be formally sentenced on August 16, 2024, by 22^nd Circuit Court Judge Christopher E. McGraugh.

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