Antonio Nelson has been identified as the man who died following a police pursuit involving East St. Louis officers on Valentine’s Day.
According to authorities, an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop Friday evening near 47th and State Street. Police say Nelson fled, leading officers on a pursuit that ended near 25th and St. Clair Avenue after the vehicle struck a median. Officials report that Nelson sustained what they described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers broke the driver-side window and began rendering aid before he was pronounced deceased. The incident remains under investigation.
Nelson’s family says they are struggling to reconcile what they have been told. They describe him as someone who had just celebrated an important accomplishment earlier that night and was simply heading home. Loved ones question aspects of the timeline and details surrounding the stop and are asking for full transparency.
The family is specifically requesting that all available body camera footage and any related video evidence be released to the public so there is clarity about what happened in those final moments. They say they are not making accusations but want answers supported by facts.
Some of our followers also voiced concern about what they describe as a pattern of cases involving men dying during or after police encounters and being ruled self-inflicted. Those concerns are adding to calls for independent review and openness in this case.
As the investigation continues, the Nelson family says they just want the truth, whatever that truth may be. On behalf of The New Real STL News, we will continue to follow this story and keep the family lifted in prayer.
