Man shoots cousin over a box of rice: Police

ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis Circuit Court judge signed an arrest warrant for an 18-year-old for stabbing his cousin over a box of rice.

According to a probable cause statement from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the crime took place Aug. 15 in the 5900 block of Etzel Avenue, located in the city’s West End neighborhood.

Police said Keith Butler was mad at his cousin over the aforementioned rice and chased after him with a firearm.

The cousin attempted to hide in a car. Butler found his cousin and shot him while in the vehicle. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his hand.

Police said Butler had sent messages to the victim’s sister the day prior, saying he was going to shoot his cousin.

Butler has allegedly continued to relay threats to the victim’s sister.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Butler with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. The arrest warrant does not allow for a bond.