Alfred Saddler

Alfred Saddler, a 31-year-old Black man, was a father of two beloved for his funny, sweet, and humble nature. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 12, 1987, those who knew him remembered him as a God-fearing and energetic person. His life was cut short in a violent encounter that would leave his family and friends mourning a man they describe as gone too soon. His death was a profound loss to those who cherished his presence and the fun-loving memories he created with them.

On the evening of June 7, 2019, Alfred was found deceased in the St. Louis County suburb of Beverly Hills. The North County Police Cooperative responded to a call and discovered him on the 6900 block of Natural Bridge Avenue. He had been fatally shot. The incident shattered the peace of the neighborhood, a small village located in the northern part of the county, and initiated a homicide investigation that would unfold over the following weeks and years.

The investigation into Alfred’s death was handled by the North County Police Cooperative. Detectives worked the case, and their efforts soon led them to identify a suspect. In late July 2019, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges against 29-year-old Dashon Torion Reece. The charges were severe: first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and violation of an order of protection. It was revealed that Reece was the ex-boyfriend of Alfred Saddler’s sister. Following the charges, authorities issued a public alert, describing Reece as armed and dangerous and asking for information leading to his capture.

After his apprehension, Dashon Reece’s case proceeded through the legal system. In June 2022, nearly three years after Alfred’s death, a jury trial was held. After hearing the evidence presented, the jury convicted Reece of lesser charges than what was originally filed. They found him guilty of voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, during an interview for his sentencing assessment report, Reece refused to admit that he had killed Alfred Saddler.

On August 18, 2022, Dashon Reece appeared for his sentencing hearing. The judge handed down a sentence of 11 years in prison for his role in Alfred Saddler's death. The conviction and sentencing brought a legal conclusion to the case, though it could not undo the pain and loss experienced by Alfred’s loved ones.

The case of Alfred Saddler is a somber reminder of the lasting impact of gun violence. While the criminal justice process has concluded, the memories of a man remembered for his warm personality and the love he had for his two children endure. Friends and family continue to light candles in his memory, sharing thoughts online like "miss u bruh gone to soon" and "Gone to soon to a senseless murder. Miss you cuz!" As of August 2022, the case is considered closed with the conviction and sentencing of the man responsible for his death.