10/13/1998 - Report #304 - Victim: Ryan D. Blanchard - Location: Berkeley, MO

MCS Report #304

Classification: Homicide

Requesting Agency: Berkeley Police Department

Date of Activation: 10/13/1998

Commander and Department: Lt. Jerry Burke, Florissant PD

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Det. Dale Vogelpohl, Chesterfield PD

Victim: Ryan D. Blanchard

Suspects: Mario L. Hitchens and Andrea M. Cox

The Berkeley Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Ryan Blanchard. At approximately 7:59pm, police officers responded to the 6000 block of Evergreen Boulevard for a report of shots fired. There they located Ryan Blanchard (age 21) lying in a backyard. He had been shot and was pronounced dead on scene.

As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued in connections with Ryan’s death:

  • Mario Hitchens (age 17-charged as an adult) - Murder 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. He was arrested on a no-bond warrant.

  • Andrea Cox (age 15-charged as an adult) - Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Her bond was set at $75,000.

PastKathy Effan