The shooting killed Shakeela Martin and critically injured a man late Tuesday.
FERGUSON, Mo. — Ferguson police were searching July 2 for the person who opened fire outside a BP gas station, killing a mother of five and critically injuring a man after an argument began inside the store.
The shooting happened late June 30 near South Florissant Road and Woodstock Road. Police identified the woman killed as 35-year-old Shakeela Martin of Ferguson. Investigators said Martin had taken two of her children to the station to buy slushies and was walking back to her car when shots were fired.
Police said a preliminary investigation found that the dispute began before Martin arrived and that she had no role in it. Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle called Martin an innocent victim and said her children, ages 9 and 6, were not shot.
Officers found Martin and a wounded man when they reached the station shortly before midnight. Martin died at the scene. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police said the man also appeared to be an innocent victim. His name and updated condition had not been released.
Investigators said gunfire came from a nearby vehicle after the argument moved outside. Police had not released the number of shooters, a vehicle description or details about the argument. A suspect had not been identified or taken into custody.
The killing added to concerns about recent violence at gas stations in the St. Louis area. Local reports described it as the sixth gas station shooting in the area in about three months, including recent deadly shootings at stations in south St. Louis and Soulard.
Residents said the public nature of the shooting deepened the fear. Curtis Ware said the violence needed to stop. Sterling Henderson said Martin’s two children would need support after seeing the shooting. Police said the children were physically safe but emotionally hurt.
Detectives continued reviewing evidence and following leads. No charges had been announced as of July 2, and police had not set a date for the next public update.
Author note: Last updated July 2, 2026.