Show-Me State Times

A man involved in a drug-linked shootout in St. Louis County has been sentenced to seven years in prison by U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Jeremiah Hill, 21, was selling drugs outside a market in Bellefontaine Road when the incident occurred on Dec. 10, 2021.

According to reports, during a dispute over the amount of marijuana sold, Hill brandished a 9mm pistol at the individuals in a vehicle. The situation escalated as one of the men in the vehicle also pulled out a gun, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left both Hill and the driver injured. ShotSpotter technology indicated that around 30 shots were fired during the incident.

Upon police arrival, Hill was found injured on the ground and was subsequently taken to the hospital. Authorities discovered a stash of drugs, including marijuana, fentanyl, and oxycodone, in Hill's possession at the scene.

Hill, a resident of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri, had pleaded guilty in November to charges related to possession and brandishing of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Hoag leading the prosecution.

In response to the incident and subsequent sentencing, Hill's actions have led to him now facing seven years behind bars.