A dispute over neighborhood activities escalated to violence in House Springs, Missouri, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 17-year-old daughter, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Robert Winkelman, 73, is accused of fatally shooting Jessica Lashly, 38, and her daughter Jersey Greer, 17, outside their home on Saturday night.
Police stated that Winkelman approached Lashly's home and began questioning her about alleged activities at the residence. After Lashly made a comment Winkelman disliked, he allegedly produced a firearm and shot her. Jersey Greer then reportedly intervened to assist her mother and was also shot by Winkelman.
Winkelman then pursued a third individual, who was not injured, before turning the weapon on himself as deputies attempted to apprehend him outside his own home. Lashly and Greer were transported to Mercy Hospital South in critical condition and later died on Monday after being removed from life support.
Winkelman has been charged with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Winkelman harbored ongoing frustrations regarding activities at Lashly's property. While authorities have not specified these activities, a neighbor suggested to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Winkelman disapproved of the property's upkeep.
Jersey Greer's twin sister, Justice, was at work during the incident. Their aunt, Sara Lashly, described the twins and their mother as inseparable and expressed heartbreak for Justice, who has lost her immediate family. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Justice and her family with medical and funeral expenses.
Lashly was involved in her family's tree-cutting business. Her Instagram bio identified her as the "proud mother of Justice Ann & Jersey Lynn." Both twins were students at Northwest High School in Cedar Hill, where they were members of the women's lacrosse team.
Friends and family have remembered Jersey Greer for her kindness and active life. Lindsay Palmer, associated with the school's lacrosse program, shared her devastation, noting Greer's infectious joy and light. The lacrosse team presented Greer's family with a signed lacrosse stick in her honor.
The community has rallied behind the family, with the GoFundMe campaign raising over $37,000. The twins' uncle, Victor Greer, expressed his grief and anger towards Winkelman for the alleged act of violence.