After a pizza delivery driver fatally shot a would-be robber in St. Louis last week, authorities have charged a man they say was an accomplice in the attempted holdup.
Montel Contrell Smith, 24, of the 7100 block of Dawson Place in Jennings, was charged Saturday with second-degree murder and first-degree robbery.
Police say that Smith and Lavon Courtney Jr., 17, of St. Louis, approached a 41-year-old pizza delivery driver about 10:20 p.m. Thursday.
The man was attempting to deliver food in the 4600 block of South Spring Avenue in Dutchtown.
Police say Courtney struck the delivery man in the head with a gun. The victim then tried to run back to his car, and police say Courtney fired shots at him.
The delivery driver had his own handgun and returned fire, striking and killing Courtney, authorities said.
The delivery driver's only injury was a cut to his head. Police said the shooting appeared justified.
Police allege that Smith fled the scene after Courtney was shot.
Smith was charged three days later and was issued a bail of $500,000, cash only. Missouri law says an accomplice in a crime can be charged with murder if anyone dies in the act, even if killed by a crime victim.
Would-be robber charged after pizza delivery driver shoots accomplice in St. Louis, police say
