The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has confirmed the identity of a homicide victim found in the Baden neighborhood on Saturday, October 19. Kiya Holt-Biggs, a 21-year-old resident of Granite City, Illinois, was discovered deceased in a parking lot on Switzer Avenue, raising serious concerns about safety in the area and the factors leading to such a tragic event.
At approximately 8:30 PM, officers responding to reports of a woman lying unconscious in a parking lot arrived at the scene to find Holt-Biggs not only unresponsive but also tragically set on fire. Emergency personnel attempted to provide medical assistance, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The horrific circumstances surrounding her death have left many in the community in shock, as they grapple with the loss of a young life under such violent conditions.
In the aftermath of the discovery, SLMPD detectives quickly launched an investigation that led them to identify Zaveon Mills, also 21, as the prime suspect in the homicide. According to authorities, Mills is believed to have fled the St. Louis area, possibly leaving the state to evade arrest. This development has intensified the urgency of the police’s search for him.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Mills with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. These serious charges underscore the violent nature of the crime and the need for justice for Holt-Biggs and her family. As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials have called for the public’s assistance in locating Mills, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
The brutal nature of this crime has ignited fear and concern within the local community. Residents of the Baden neighborhood are left wondering how such a violent act could occur so close to home. Community leaders and advocates are emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and open dialogues about violence in their neighborhoods. “We cannot let fear dictate how we live our lives,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “We need to come together to ensure our community is safe for everyone.”
The SLMPD has reiterated its commitment to tackling violent crime, but community members are calling for more proactive measures to address the root causes of violence. Conversations surrounding mental health, substance abuse, and socio-economic factors are becoming increasingly important as local leaders work to create a safer environment for residents.
The police are actively seeking the public’s help in locating Mills. They have encouraged anyone with relevant information to reach out to the SLMPD’s Homicide Division at 314-444-5371. For those who prefer to remain anonymous or are interested in potential rewards for information leading to an arrest, CrimeStoppers has also set up a hotline at 866-371-8477.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of such a violent act. The loss of Kiya Holt-Biggs is not only a tragedy for her family but also a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by urban neighborhoods in maintaining safety and security.
In a world where violence can strike unexpectedly, it is vital for communities to unite in their efforts to prevent further tragedies. The call for action is clear: the safety of residents must be a priority, and the pursuit of justice for victims must not wane. The tragic death of Holt-Biggs serves as a rallying point for discussions about violence prevention and the measures needed to protect the lives of young people in our cities.