Man sentenced for killing ex-girlfriend at her front door

ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man was sentenced Tuesday for the 2021 murder of his ex-girlfriend.

Samuel Bailey, 74, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of armed criminal action.

According to police, the murder happened on July 4, 2021, in the 5400 block of Ruskin Avenue, located in the city’s Mark Twain neighborhood.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office said Gail Keys called 911 to report a break-in at a home. She identified Bailey, her ex-boyfriend, as the intruder.

Police arrived and accompanied Keys to her front door. As she walked inside, Bailey, who was still in the home, shot Keys. Keys died at the scene. She was 63.

Officers retreated and attempted to form a perimeter around the home. Police confronted Bailey in the back of the home as he attempted to flee and took him into custody after a scuffle.

Police recovered a seven-shot revolver from the gangway where Bailey was arrested.

The judge overseeing the case sentenced Bailey to 20 years in Missouri state prison.