Crime in St. Louis remains a major public safety concern, and this case adds another tragic chapter: Brion D. Bess has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Ni’kajha A.K. Johnson in East St. Louis, according to Illinois State Police.
St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: After Ni’kajha A.K. Johnson’s Killing, Brion D. Bess Faces First-Degree Murder Charge
On an East St. Louis corner, the city held its breath,
Near 25th and Ridge, a shooting ended in death.
Police say Ni’kajha Johnson, only twenty-four,
Was sitting at a stop sign when violence reached her door.
She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors did what they could,
But the pain ran deeper than medicine ever should.
A life was cut short, and a family now grieves,
Left holding heavy questions no heart should have to keep.
Illinois State Police joined the case to trace the night,
Following the evidence, searching hard for what was right.
After interviews and review, investigators built their lead,
And named a Swansea woman as the suspect in the deed.
Brion D. Bess, age twenty-three, now faces murder in the first degree,
Approved by the State’s Attorney in St. Clair County.
She remains in custody as the court process begins,
While the wider community reflects on loss and violence within.
The investigation is active, and the facts still move through court,
Where accusation is not proof of any final sort.
For now, one life is gone, and one case moves ahead,
And East St. Louis carries the weight of another soul now dead.
From heartbreaking losses to shocking crimes, these stories paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing our communities. Let’s hope for justice, healing, and a safer tomorrow.
St. Louis Crime Chime: Partnering for a Safer Community
The St. Louis Crime Chime is evolving into a mission-driven organization dedicated to partnering with local public safety agencies and community-focused media, such as The Evening Whirl and Real STL News, to shine a light on social and violence-related issues. Our goal is to provide resources that support both victims and perpetrators of traumatic events, fostering healing and prevention within our community.
Through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This essential platform empowers residents by highlighting emerging threats and safety concerns, encouraging vigilance and informed decision-making. Beyond reporting, it holds individuals and institutions accountable by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, promoting transparency and urging neighbors to protect and support one another.
While the headlines often confront difficult truths, they also serve as a rallying cry for action. By staying informed through reliable sources and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and take an active role in prevention and community-building efforts. Together, we can transform awareness into meaningful change, helping St. Louis write a safer, more hopeful chapter for all.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
- Protect our children: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can.htm
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak.
#CrimeInStLouis #EastStLouis #IllinoisStatePolice
