The quiet community of Florissant, Missouri, was rocked by a deadly shooting on Sunday night, March 2, 2025, that left one man dead and two others wounded. St. Louis County police responded to a call about a shooting victim near Graham Road at approximately 7:36 p.m., where they discovered a scene of chaos and tragedy. The victim who lost his life has been identified as Gary Dequan, also known as Gary Soto, a beloved member of the community. Another victim is fighting for their life with life-threatening injuries, while a third is recovering from non-life-threatening wounds.

As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the motive behind the shooting remains a mystery. The St. Louis County Police Department is actively investigating the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward. This article delves deeply into the details of the shooting, the lives of those affected, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications for the Florissant community.

The Incident: A Detailed Account

The shooting occurred on a quiet Sunday evening in Florissant, a suburban community known for its peaceful neighborhoods and tight-knit residents. At approximately 7:36 p.m., St. Louis County police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near Graham Road. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes, where they found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

The first victim, Gary Dequan (Gary Soto), was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Gary succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The second victim, whose identity has not been released, sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition. The third victim, also unnamed, suffered non-life-threatening wounds and is expected to recover.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. “I heard what sounded like fireworks at first, but then I realized it was gunshots,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “I looked out my window and saw people running in every direction. It was horrifying.”

The Victims: A Closer Look

The shooting has left the Florissant community in mourning, particularly for Gary Dequan (Gary Soto), whose life was tragically cut short.

Gary Dequan (Gary Soto): A Life Remembered

Gary Dequan, also known as Gary Soto, was a well-known and beloved figure in the Florissant community. Described by friends and family as a kind-hearted and hardworking individual, Gary was known for his infectious smile and his willingness to help others.

“Gary was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said a close friend. “He was always there for his family and friends, no matter what. His loss is devastating to everyone who knew him.”

Gary’s life was marked by his dedication to his loved ones and his passion for his community. While details about his personal and professional life remain scarce, those who knew him emphasize the impact he had on their lives.

The Other Victims: Fighting for Their Lives

The second victim, who remains in critical condition, is described as a young adult with a bright future ahead. Friends and family are holding onto hope for their recovery, but the road ahead is uncertain.

“We’re praying for a miracle,” said a family member. “They’re a fighter, and we’re doing everything we can to support them through this.”

The third victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, is expected to make a full recovery. While physically healing, the emotional trauma of the incident will undoubtedly leave lasting scars.

The Investigation: Unraveling the Motive

The St. Louis County Police Department has launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting, with detectives working around the clock to piece together the events leading up to the incident. At this stage, the motive for the shooting remains unclear, and no suspects have been named.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence to determine what happened. They are also exploring the possibility that the incident may have been gang-related or the result of a personal dispute, though no official statements have been made to confirm these theories.

“This is a tragic and senseless loss of life,” said a spokesperson for the St. Louis County Police Department. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time. We are committed to finding out what happened and ensuring that justice is served.”

The Community’s Response: Shock, Grief, and Calls for Action

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Florissant community, leaving residents in a state of disbelief and grief. Graham Road, where the incident occurred, is a quiet residential area that is typically free from violent crime.

“This is supposed to be a safe neighborhood,” said a resident. “To have something like this happen here, it’s just devastating. My heart breaks for the families of the victims.”

In the wake of the tragedy, the community has come together to honor Gary Dequan’s memory and support the other victims and their families. Vigils, memorials, and fundraisers have been organized to celebrate Gary’s life and provide financial assistance to those affected by the shooting.

“We’re all hurting right now,” said a friend of the family. “But we’re also coming together to support each other and to make sure Gary is never forgotten.”

The Broader Implications: Addressing Gun Violence

The deaths of Gary Dequan and the injuries sustained by the other victims have reignited conversations about gun violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gun violence is one of the leading causes of death among young people in the United States, with thousands of lives lost each year.

In Missouri, like many other states, gun violence has become an increasingly pressing issue, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Advocates for gun control have called for stricter regulations and greater investment in community-based violence prevention programs to address the root causes of gun violence.

“This tragedy is a reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence in our communities,” said a local activist. “We need to come together as a society to find solutions and to ensure that no more lives are lost to senseless violence.”

Honoring Gary Dequan’s Memory

As the Florissant community continues to mourn the loss of Gary Dequan, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Friends and family have taken to social media to share their memories and express their grief, using hashtags like #RememberingGary and #JusticeForGary to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence.

“Gary was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met,” wrote one friend on Twitter. “He had a way of making everyone feel seen and heard. I’ll never forget his laugh or his incredible sense of humor. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Another friend shared a photo of Gary, writing, “Gary was always the first person to offer help or encouragement. He had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up the darkest room. I’m so grateful to have known him.”

A Call to Action

The deaths of Gary Dequan and the injuries sustained by the other victims are a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing gun violence and supporting grieving families. As the Florissant community comes together to honor Gary’s memory, his passing serves as a call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to work together to create safer communities and prevent future tragedies.

“We cannot afford to lose any more lives to gun violence,” said a community leader. “It’s time for us to come together as a society and address this issue head-on. We owe it to Gary, to the other victims, and to all the families who have been affected by senseless violence.”

In the days and weeks to come, the Florissant community will continue to honor Gary Dequan’s memory through initiatives aimed at promoting peace and preventing gun violence. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of those who knew him but also in the actions taken to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to violence.

Rest in peace, Gary Dequan (Gary Soto). You were loved, you were cherished, and you will never be forgotten.