'He was always meant to be a star': Tributes paid to reality star Pee Wee, 23, who was found fatally shot in an alley
A reality dating show star has been fatally shot at the age of just 23.
Two Ways With Erica Mena contestant Pee Wee, real name Jardyn Walker, was shot early on Wednesday morning (January 21) in St. Louis and died shortly afterwards at the scene.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the news, and added that prosecutors have already charged a man with murder in connection with the death.
Walker had been reported missing the night before his death, on Tuesday (January 20), and was last seen delivering packages for his job in the University City area, according to the University City Police Department (UCPD).
UCPD said the reality star was supposed to meet his sister at the Amazon Hazelwood plant for a life home, but when he did not arrive he was reported as missing and an investigation into his disappearance was launched.
Law enforcement states Walker was found in an alley near to where his mobile phne was pinging in the city's Central West End, and police connected the shooting to an earlier call for shots fired, according to TMZ.
Police say when they got a call they had of shots fired on Tuesday night they attended the area and saw a car quickly leaving the area. Officers were able to stop the car and found 27-year-old Jamaal Jones inside the car, armed with a weapon. He was arrested.
Prosecutors have since charged Jones with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with evidence in connection to Walker’s death. The exact circumstances of Walker’s death are not yet known.
The 23-year-old victim competed for Erica's love on her Zeus Network reality dating show, and Erica has posted a tribute to him on Instagram. She uploaded several posts to her Stories showing photos of Walker next to emojis of broken hearts and doves. She also wrote the words "I'm so sorry" and "Crushed." She added: “May you rest in paradise, you didn’t deserve this.”
His co-star Celina Powell told TMZ: "Peewee was genuinely such a light on the show, kept everyone laughing & really kept in touch with everyone once filming wrapped. He was always meant to be a star, my heart really goes out to his family and loved ones."
Erica Mena is an actress, model and singer. The 38-year-old is best known for her appearances in the Love and Hip Hop franchise from 2011 to 2023.