DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Missouri

For Immediate Release

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Saint Louis Man Indicted for 2019 Attempted Armed Carjacking that Resulted in Victim's Death

St. Louis, MO – A federal indictment was returned today against Jalen Exavier Simms, 24, of Saint Louis, for his role in the June 3, 2019 death of victim Jabari Clark. The indictment specifically charges Simms with one count of the attempted carjacking of victim Clark’s 2012 Dodge Ram truck and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of that carjacking that resulted in victim Clark’s death.

If convicted, the both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the imposition of death. As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“Gun violence and carjackings remain top priorities of this office. We continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prevent these senseless acts of violence but, when they occur, we are committed to holding each and every perpetrator accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen following the indictment’s return.

This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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Kansas City Field Division