Singer's sister killed in crossfire

Patrice Thimes, the sister of St. Louis jazz singer Denise Thimes, was shot and killed Thursday night in St. Louis. Police reports say that Thimes was driving through the intersection of Page Ave. and North Euclid at 9:55 p.m. when she was hit by a stray bullet from a gun battle between two groups of young men thought to be gang members. The Post-Dispatch's story is here, and local NBC affiliate KSDK has a report that includes a brief interview with Denise Thimes here.

According to the Post story, SLPD believe the gunfight and Thimes' shooting are related to other recent shootings and killings in the area involving the same perpetrators. In response, police on Friday dispatched a 30-member "Violent Offense Team" to the neighborhood; they "are following leads" but have made no arrests yet.

Patrice Thimes was 39 years old and worked in the hospitality industry; the Post reports that she had been planning to open a restaurant with family members later this year. In addition to her sister and four other siblings, survivors include two daughters, ages 18 and 5; her father, noted radio personality Lou "Fatha" Thimes; and her fiance Gregory Bell.

UPDATE - 11:30 a.m., 3/21/11: Police have arrested and charged three men in conjunction with the shooting, and say more arrests are possible. Read the Post's story on the arrests here.