Investigators follow dozens of leads in shooting death of metro-east dog groomer

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is continuing to investigate the death of a 41-year-old Carlyle woman found dead Tuesday morning in her home on Fairfax Street.

The victim has been identified as Sadie L. Tull, who was discovered with a single gunshot wound to the head inside her residence in the 2100 block of Fairfax Street, according to the Major Case Squad. She was pronounced dead at the scene after Carlyle police officers conducted a welfare check at about 8:10 a.m. Tuesday.

Carlyle Police Chief Jason Herzing requested activation of the Major Case Squad at about 10 a.m. Deputy Chief Scott Athmer of the Highland Police Department is leading the investigation, which includes 26 squad members.

Since the investigation began, detectives have followed up on more than 63 leads and “continue to pursue all avenues of the investigation,” the Major Case Squad said in a news release Wednesday morning.

According to KSDK News, Tull lived alone at the residence and operated a dog-grooming business out of the home.

The Major Case Squad is asking for the public’s help. Investigators want to speak with anyone who had contact with Tull in the days leading up to her death or who has information related to the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Major Case Squad command post at 618-594-2451 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Tips to CrimeStoppers may be submitted anonymously.

This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 12:16 PM.