ST. LOUIS, MO (February 9, 2024) — Jeffery Lamonte Lumzy, 54, was found guilty by a jury Friday of first-degree murder in the December 29, 2022, shooting death of Jeffrey Avant, 35, in an apartment in the 1800 block of Cass Avenue in the city’s Carr Square neighborhood.

Lumzy was also found guilty of first-degree burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, stealing a motor vehicle, and armed criminal action.

Police responding to a call for a shooting were met by Deidra Prince, who lived in the apartment with her five children. The victim had been visiting Prince when Lumzy, who was the father of three of the children, entered the apartment. Lumzy told Avant to leave, sparking an argument with Prince. Lumzy left, then returned, entering the apartment after climbing over the back porch railing. He shot Avant once in the chest.

Rather than calling 911 or rendering aid for Avant, who was begging for help, Lumzy told Prince to get the children dressed. She refused to allow him to take them without her. Outside the apartment, he was forcing Prince and the children into her rental car when a maintenance worker at the apartment complex intervened. Lumzy stole the car and drove away. He abandoned the vehicle in a supermarket parking lot and fled to Chicago, where he was found and arrested months later.

Avant was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he died.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant Circuit Attorneys Erin O’Brien Granger and Tiffany Becker, who were cross-designated by the U.S. Attorney’s office to assist the Circuit Attorney’s office in prosecuting homicides.

“Our office is grateful for the able assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s office in successfully prosecuting this homicide,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

The punishment for first-degree murder is life in prison without parole.

Lumzy has a long list of prior convictions, including burglary, stealing, forgery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

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