St. Francis Alum Megan Boken Shot to Death

A 23-year-old Wheaton native was shot to death while outside a St. Louis apartment building, authorities said.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Megan Boken was found about 2:20 p.m. Saturday with gunshots to her neck and chest. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Witnesses told police they’d seen Boken arguing with a man who was either exiting her vehicle or had opened the door to it.

St. Louis police do not have anyone in custody, according to ABC 7 News.

Police describe the suspected gunman as an African-American male, in his mid-20's, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10, with a thin build and short hair, according to CBS News.

According to the Post-Dispatch:

The shooter was seen firing two shots into the vehicle before leaving the scene, police said. He left before police arrived. He was described as a black man believed to be in his mid-20s, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall with a thin build and short hair.

Police have no evidence Boken knew her killer, and are looking through her car for evidence, as well as seeking witnesses and surveillance video from the neighborhood.

Boken, a graduate of St. Francis High School, helped lead the school’s volleyball team to state titles in 2004 and 2006 and later attended St. Louis University.

According to the university’s website, Boken excelled on the court and off. A 2011 graduate of the university's John Cook School of Business, she also earned a nod for academic excellence and her involvement on the university’s student athlete advisory committee.

After graduation, Boken returned to the Chicago area. She was in St. Louis for an alumni game. Friends began to worry when she didn't arrive for warm-ups or the game, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Megan was a vibrant young woman and a wonderful representative of Saint Louis University and Billiken athletics," SLU athletic director Chris May said. "In addition to being a great student, she was an outstanding athlete and an important part of our championship volleyball teams.

The university issued the statement:

"We are shocked and saddened by this terrible and tragic loss. Megan was a truly outstanding student-athlete who excelled in the classroom and on the court. She exemplified the very best of what it means to be a Saint Louis University Billiken. Our focus right now is on providing as much support as we can for our students, and our thoughts and prayers are with Megan's family and friends during this very difficult time."

Boken’s family issued a statement to multiple news outlets over the weekend.

"Megan was a wonderful and beautiful human being loved by everyone she met. The family and the community are devastated by this senseless tragedy. And the family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of support. The initial reports that Megan knew her attacker are no longer believed to be true. The family asks that you keep Megan and them in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy at this time."

Authorities meanwhile are continuing a search for the shooting suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

Service information will be available on the university website when it is available.

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