ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis avoided a jury trial this week by reaching an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to a 2023 homicide in the city’s Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood.

The shooting happened around 5 p.m. on April 11, 2023, in the 2800 block of Gamble Street.

Police were patrolling around MLK Street and Glasgow Avenue when they heard several gunshots nearby. Police arrived at the scene within minutes and found the victim, Patrik’ James, in the middle of the street with several gunshot wounds. James was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 33.

The accused shooter, Kevin Larkin, now 35, was arrested the following month and charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and two unlawful gun possession charges.

With the trial looming, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the murder and armed criminal action counts if Larkin pleaded guilty to the two counts of illegal gun possession.

The circuit court judge signed off on the agreement and guilty plea on Friday before sentencing Larking to 10 years on one count and three years on the other count. The sentences will run consecutively, meaning Larkin will spend 13 years in state prison. Larkin received credit for 526 days of jail time served.

Police and prosecutors said Larkin has prior felony convictions of illegal gun possession, tampering, and robbery in both St. Louis City and County.