Dad murders mom, mom's brother in front of 4-year-old son; dad had fought mom over custody (St. Louis, Missouri)

UNNAMED DAD has been arrested in the shooting deaths of 2 persons, including the mother of his 4-year-old son. A third person is in critical condition. The triple shooting was carried out in the child's presence. Dad is basically a classic abuse killer with strong tendencies towards coercive control: note that he had previously kept this child away from his mother for months. Do you really think this father had his child's best interests at heart in all this? Not a chance. Should be clear that this was not so much an "ongoing battle over the child" as a one-way assault directed by Daddy Dearest, who had no qualms about deeply traumatizing his own child just so Daddy could flex his muscles and show everybody who's boss.

http://www.examiner.com/x-14475-St-Louis-Crime-Examiner~y2010m4d22-4yearold-boy-witness-to-mothers-death

4-year-old boy witness to mother’s death
April 22, 12:30 PM
St. Louis Crime Examiner
Melina Collison

St. Louis - On Wednesday April 21, 2010 Keneka Elliott, 24, her brother Julius Elliott, 29, and a family friend, 28, were all shot multiple times in front of Keneka’s 4 year-old-son. The alleged shooter was the child’s father. The parents had an ongoing battle over the child for many years.

The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. at Keneka Elliott’s home; 3815 Pennsylvania Avenue. Both Keneka Elliott and Julius Elliott were killed and the family friend was critically wounded.

Police have arrested the 25 year-old suspect and the homicide detectives will be in court this afternoon for the charges.

Apparently the boy’s father took him for a short visit and then ended up keeping him away from his mother for months. After Keneka Elliott got her son back she refused to let the boy’s father see him again. Everything came to a closing Wednesday when the father then returned to the home trying to see his son. When he was again refused he came back and started shooting.

The 4 year-old child identified his father, who was wearing a mask, by his shoes, stating that his daddy always wore those same shoes.

There were 2 other children in the home ages 9 and 7. The 9 year-old called 911. Both were children of Keneka Elliott. Her youngest son was at a cousin’s home the evening of the shooting.

Julius Elliott was an active member of True Gospel Temple Church and the church will be dedicating a concert in his honor April 30, 2010.

For additional information on this story and photos of the victims please visit stltoday.com.

True Gospel Temple Church is located on North 14th Street and the pastor is Reginald C. Speed Jr.