
St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: Left to Decay: Lawanda McGhee’s Corpse, a $100K Tragedy

On Dragonwyk Drive, in St. Louis’ grime,
A grim discovery marked the crime.
Lawanda McGhee, just 47,
Her life cut short, no path to heaven.
Thirty-eight days, her body lay,
Hidden on a couch, left to decay.
Clothes and blankets, a cruel disguise,
While her so-called friend lived with the lies.
Terrance Smith, arrested at last,
Charged with the crime of leaving her past.
A $100,000 bond holds him tight,
But it won’t bring justice to this night.
“She had dreams,” her sister said,
“A daughter to raise, a life ahead.”
A nursing grad, ready to thrive,
Her future stolen, she’s no longer alive.
Neighbors ask, “How could he stay?
Walking past her every day?”
The stench, the silence, the weight of guilt,
A life abandoned, a trust rebuilt.
Now the city watches, the family grieves,
Seeking answers, hoping to believe.
Lawanda deserved more than this fate,
A life remembered, it’s not too late.
Related Topics and Resources
For more on St. Louis crime and its toll,
Visit The Narrative Matters to console.
If you know of this case or have a clue,
Contact the police—your voice can renew.
Why The St. Louis Crime Chime Matters

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!”
#JusticeForLawanda, #StLouisCrime, #CommunitySafety.
