Authorities release identification of man who was shot to death in Cahokia Heights

Authorities have released the identity of a 19-year-old Cahokia Heights resident who was shot to death early Thursday.

Desmond Murphy was pronounced dead at 3:02 a.m. at St. Louis University Hospital, according to Tara Rick, executive director of operations at the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office.

Murphy was shot to death in the 1100 block of St. Rose Lane early Thursday, authorities said.

Police were notified of the shooting at 2 a.m., said Maj. Tony Tomlinson of the Cahokia Heights Police Department.

When officers arrived on scene, they found the victim, Tomlinson said.

Medstar transported the man to a St. Louis Hospital, where he died, Tomlinson said.

Murphy was sitting outside of a vacant home across the street from where he lived when he was shot, Tomlinson said.

No one has been arrested. Tomlinson said police are interviewing witnesses and looking for surveillance video.