Walter Fowler, 29, is accused of stalking his victim throughout the day before allegedly shooting and killing him on his own front porch in St. Louis last month, according to charging documents.
Fowler has been charged with one count each of murder in the first degree and armed criminal action in connection with the death of Dwayne Henderson-Murphy, 34, who was killed on Aug. 4 at a residence on Hiller Place in the Walnut Park West neighborhood, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said.
Background
According to probable cause documents obtained by KMOV and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, police were called to Henderson-Murphy's home around 11:40 p.m. on Aug. 4 in response to a shooting. Responding officers found Henderson-Murphy suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the porch. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Cellphone records placed Fowler at the victim's residence several times on the day of the shooting, including when the fatal shots were fired, according to court documents. The defendant is also "clearly visible" on Henderson-Murphy's backdoor Ring doorbell security camera earlier that same day, police said.
The Charges
Fowler was formally charged this week by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is being held in the St. Louis City Justice Center without bond, jail records show.
The Investigation
Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station captured Fowler wearing the same clothing as the man shown in other video recordings, according to the charging document. In that second piece of footage, Fowler is seen exiting a car and walking toward Henderson-Murphy's home "while tucking a firearm under his arm," prosecutors alleged. After shots rang out, he was seen running back to the same vehicle parked at the gas station.
Law enforcement has not provided a motive for the killing. At the scene, police noted that a second man was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street as bullets flew, though investigators did not indicate whether the driver had any direct relationship to the shooting.
Fowler was arrested the following day. In a separate case, Fowler faces charges of assault, drug trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.
Key Takeaways
- Walter Fowler, 29, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Dwayne Henderson-Murphy, 34
- Cellphone data placed the defendant at the victim's residence multiple times on Aug. 4 before the shooting occurred around 11:40 p.m.
- Security footage allegedly shows Fowler visiting the home earlier that day and returning wearing the same clothes before the killing
- A second man was struck by a vehicle during the shooting, though investigators have not indicated any connection to the case
- The defendant is being held without bond in St. Louis City Justice Center
- Fowler faces separate charges including assault, drug trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance
What's Next
Fowler is awaiting his next court appearance on the murder charges in St. Louis County. His case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed whether they have established a motive for the killing.