A local musician, husband and father has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting that authorities say began as a late-night road-rage encounter in north St. Louis County.
Vance Townes, 59, was shot and killed around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the parking lot of A-1 Liquor near the intersection of North Hanley Road and Frost Avenue. Berkeley police, assisted by St. Louis County, say Townes and another driver were traveling westbound on Frost Avenue before both vehicles pulled into the lot.
According to police, the encounter escalated and both drivers displayed firearms. During the confrontation, Townes was shot five times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators recovered two firearms. The other driver was taken into custody. As of initial reports, no charges had been announced while authorities continued to review surveillance video, witness statements and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Townes’ family says they are seeking answers and want a full accounting of what happened in the moments before his death.
Family members remember Townes as a gifted musician with a lasting passion for singing and playing guitar. He grew up in Maryland Heights and graduated from Pattonville High School in 1985. He was known in the local music community and performed with the band BAD TATTOO.
To those closest to him, his most important roles were husband, father and grandfather. Townes leaves behind his wife, two daughters and a grandson, along with family, friends and fellow musicians mourning his death.
As the investigation continues, his loved ones are hoping for answers while remembering the man behind the headlines — a husband, father, singer, guitarist and working musician whose life meant far more than the circumstances of how it ended.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Berkeley police.
