The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Martino Lewis, 21, of the 5800 block of Saloma Avenue, 63120, for second-degree murder, armed criminal action and third-degree domestic assault on April 25.

Lewis is being held on $400,000, cash only, no 10% bond.   

The charges are merely accusations. Lewis is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Per a police report, St. Louis County police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to a call for service for a disturbance in the 5800 block of Grace Avenue on April 24 at approximately 11:15 p.m. Once at the scene, the officers found a woman — now identified as Kelsey Elem, 25, of the 5800 block of Grace Avenue, 63123 –  suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Elem was transported to an area hospital for treatment, but later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Lewis and Elem were involved in a romantic relationship. An eyewitness overheard the couple arguing and observed Lewis punch Elem. Elem stated that she was afraid of Lewis and asked the eyewitness to call the police. She then informed the eyewitness that she was “going to get her gun.” 

While on the phone with 911, the eyewitness heard a gunshot, then saw Lewis run out of the residence, fleeing the scene in Elem’s vehicle. Lewis provided a firearm to another witness, then stated that Elem had been shot while they were driving and that he had taken her to the hospital; investigation proved this to be untrue. Lewis was later apprehended in St. Louis City while still in possession of Elem’s vehicle and admitted that a physical altercation had occurred.

St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are handling this investigation.