We examine the circumstances behind the death of age 14-year-old Jennings Junior High School student Justin Brooks, who was fatally stabbed on Tuesday
Tuesday afternoon witnessed the death of a 14-year-old boy in Jennings due to a stabbing. Vera Clay, a spokesperson for the St. Louis County Police Department, reported that the incident happened around 3 PM on Hord Avenue. Superintendent Paula Knight confirmed that the victim, Justin Brooks, was a student at Jennings Junior High School. Jennings Police are currently investigating the motive and working to identify the person responsible for fatally stabbing Justin.
Who is Justin Brooks as Jennings Junior High School student is stabbed to death, cause of death, bio, age and parents
His father, also named Justin Brooks, posted a video on Facebook that appears to show the moments before and after his son was murdered.
Witnesses at the scene observed a group during a confrontation, with an adult stepping in before things escalated. The reason behind the stabbing remained unknown. Members of the community expressed sorrow over the loss. Superintendent Knight assured that the crisis team at the junior high would provide support to affected students, staff, and families.
Yesterday afternoon a 14-year-old black boy named Justin Brooks was stabbed & died 1 block from his middle school while walking home. Nothing but silence from these republicans. This is why I will never believe their “condolences” or ability to care. ONLY if it fits their agenda. pic.twitter.com/YW1jCSuDqQ
— Laura Burkhardt 🧡 (@LauraAnnSTL) March 13, 2024
Who is Justin Brooks?
Neighbors reported a fight occurring the day before someone stabbed 14-year-old Justin Brooks. They suspect the stabbing on Tuesday was in retaliation for that altercation. Hicks, a parent of a student at Jennings Junior High School, urged the school district to implement further measures. Hicks stated her daughter was friends with both Brooks and his younger brother.
Although not much is known about Justin Brooks, reports suggest that he loved to watch football and was an avid supporter. Also, individuals familiar with Brooks mentioned that the teenager was a member of the basketball team and the 14 year old was considered a star athlete.
What happened to Justin Brooks?
Jennings Police Captain Aaron Roediger stated that despite the stabbing not taking place on school grounds, school resource officers were present and administered life-saving aid until EMS arrived. Brooks, however, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital. By Tuesday evening, no suspects had been apprehended, though police indicated the incident didn’t seem random.
Justin Brooks (14) stabbed to death outside school
Johnson Jennings Junior High School is 5 miles from Hazelwood High School where Kaylee Gain was beaten into a coma
Police said attack "not random" but no arrest
Deserves attention, esp. with a child-murderer loose pic.twitter.com/HtupHCTUYQ— Brendan (@BrendanMcInnis) March 14, 2024
Police acknowledged the emotional impact of such a crime on the community and pledged to collaborate with the school district to offer necessary counseling and support. The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons initiated an investigation into the stabbing. Additionally, patrols around the school were increased, and counselors were provided to help students cope with grief.