Two Ways With Erica Mena contestant Jardyn “Pee Wee” Walker has been found dead after being shot in an alley in Missouri. He was 23 years old.
According to a press release issued in local NBC affiliate KSDK by the University City Police Department, Walker was found dead in the alley after being reported missing on Tuesday, January 20. A man is in custody and has been charged with murder following Walker’s death.
KSDK reported on Wednesday, Jan. 21, that Walker was reported missing after he failed to show up to meet his sister at an Amazon facility for a ride home.
Walker’s failure to appear prompted his sister to call the University City Police Department to report him missing since he was last seen in University City, which began looking for Walker, who worked as a delivery boy.
people informed on Thursday, January 22, that the Metropolitan Police Department of St. Louis joined the search for Walker hours later after calling for help.
Authorities were able to locate Walker by “pinging” his cell phone.
“Officers were directed to the back of an alley in the area of Olive & Whittier after it was revealed that the missing person’s cell phone was pinging in that area,” SLMPD said in a statement, according to People.
According to the SLMPD, “There, officers discovered a 23-year-old male who had been shot.”
The SLMPD added that Walker “died at the scene.” The official cause of death has not been released.
For KSDK, Police also responded to reports of a shots fired incident on Tuesday, Jan. 20 around 8:45 p.m., which was later linked to Walker’s death.
Jamaal Lamonte Jones27, was stopped by police on Tuesday night and allegedly found inside a vehicle with an assault rifle between his legs, according to multiple media outlets.
Prosecutors have now charged Jones with first-degree murder, tampering with criminal evidence and armed criminal action. He was held without bail at the Justice Center in the city of St. Louis.
Us Weekly The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has been contacted. Louis for comments.
Walker was one of the contestants the heart of Mena on the Zeus Network dating show, which aired in 2025.
After the news of Walker’s death, Mena shared an emotional tribute to him via Instagram on Thursday, January 22.
“This one hurts my heart. 💔 I’ve been stuck trying to understand why since I found out. Jardyn was the youngest of my lovers, but his presence was powerful beyond his years. Tough, talented, full of light and full of dreams that were just beginning. He made it to my final for a reason ♥️✨ because he wrote next to Walker’s photos during his time,” she wrote. “I am grateful to have been able to laugh with you, work with you, and share moments that I will never forget. You brought energy, heart, and authenticity to every space you entered. I truly enjoyed my time with you more than you know.
Mena mourned the young Walker at the time of his death, insisting that he should have had a chance to grow up.
“Your life was taken too soon. 💔 You didn’t deserve this. You deserved time. You deserved growth. You deserved to become everything you dreamed of. I’m so crushed 💔,” she wrote. “To his family and loved ones 🙏🏽 my heart goes out to you. Please know that Jardyn was loved, respected and admired. His light was real and he will never be forgotten.”
She concluded the post: “Rest in peace babe. Your name, your spirit and your impact will live on. ♥️🙏🏽✨”
Official Instagram page of the Zeus network also shared condolences with Walker’s family through an emotional tribute.
“Jardyn was a bright light whose energy, spirit and presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him and all of us here at Zeus. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, loved ones and fans during this incredibly difficult time,” the post said. “We extend our deepest condolences and ask that his loved ones remain in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this loss.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371.