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.
