Nationwide — Christina Lynn Rentchler, a 35-year-old African American mother from St. Louis, Missouri, was shot and killed in front of her four daughters on April 23rd. The suspect, Vanier T. Jones, also 35 years old, is now facing charges for her murder and that of her unborn child.According to a police affidavit, Jones approached Rentchler’s daughters and asked where their mother was before pulling out a gun and shooting her in the back of the head. The girls, along with another child present at the home, witnessed the horrifying murder. Authorities arrived to find Rentchler unresponsive, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, along with her unborn child.
Jones is also accused of shooting another woman, who survived the attack. The woman told police that Jones had been staying with her and got angry before shooting her. She pretended to be dead and overheard Jones asking the children about their mother before he killed Rentchler, she said, according to People.
Jones has a lengthy criminal history and was reportedly on the run from federal authorities at the time of the crime. He is now facing numerous charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, five counts of child endangerment, eight counts of armed criminal action, and charges of attempted murder and illegal firearm possession.
Jones remains in custody without bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 12. Authorities have confirmed he currently does not have legal representation.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been set up to help with Rentchler’s funeral costs and support her surviving daughters. It has so far gathered nearly $3,000.