Another photo of Zemir Begic, 32, victim of fatal hammer attack in #STL. Pictured with wife of six months, Arijiana. pic.twitter.com/TJ8R8eepOY
— joelcurrier (@joelcurrier) December 1, 2014
They have not identified the killers as yet, or addressed whether there was any connection to #Ferguson rioters.
ST. LOUIS • More than 50 people gathered near Bevo Mill Sunday night in frustration over the death of a Bosnian man beaten with hammers earlier that day. Gravois Avenue was closed for several blocks because of the crowd.
Police are on the scene.
A 32-year-old man was beaten to death with hammers by at least two teens early Sunday morning on Itaska Street.
The victim was identified as Zemir Begic, 32, of the 4200 block of Miami Street. He had injuries to his head, abdomen, face and mouth. He was taken to St. Louis University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said Begic was in his vehicle in the 4200 block of Itaska about 1:15 a.m. when several juveniles approached on foot and began damaging it. Begic got out and the juveniles began yelling at him and striking him with hammers. Two male juveniles, 16 and 15, were taken into custody.
Bosnian members of the community came out to protest the killing and to ask for more protection.
People following police orders to stay on sidewalk. One Bosnian says they won't damage neighborhood they built. #Bevo pic.twitter.com/18RAscSYeY
— Michael Calhoun (@michaelcalhoun) December 1, 2014
Tonight responded to a peaceful demonstration in the Bosnian community at Gravois & Itaska. No arrests and everyone has now left.
— Chief Sam Dotson (@ChiefSLMPD) December 1, 2014
Update:
Initial reports indicate that the group included 3 young black men and one Hispanic. Two of the group were caught, two are still on the run.