Argument at family reunion turns deadly in Blanchette Park

Posted: Aug 2, 2014 / 09:17 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 2, 2014 / 09:16 PM CDT

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ST. CHARLES, MO (KTVI) – An argument turned fatal during a family reunion Saturday night at Blanchette Park on the north side of St. Charles City. Police report it resulted in the murder of a 24-year-old man.

It happened just before 7 pm in front of the Grove Restroom building and just yards from picnickers. A private party was underway at the park swimming pool half a block away.

Lt. Michael Akers of St. Charles City Police Department said the victim and his assailant knew each other. Police are looking for a 19-year-old who fled the scene on foot. The Metro Air Support helicopter assisted in the search.

Chakita Fields was in the park enjoying the evening. She said she administered CPR to the young man who had collapsed. “It took a long time for the ambulance to arrive,” she said.

Tracy McKinney of Wentzville shared the same concern. She was attending a pool party with her family. She saw the ambulance arrive. “The police never came to tell us anything about what happened,” she said. Her 14-year old daughter Holly said,” what would have happened if the guy with the gun came back to the pool? It scared me.”

McKinney complained police failed to block off a park area from children where the helicopter landed. She added, “I think the police should be more involved and around. I don’t think they did a good job today at all.”