Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2025 – 3:00 PM
Sunset Hills victim identified; charges issued in homicide
On Friday, December 12, 2025, detectives from the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad arrested an adult male in connection with the homicide in Sunset Hills. The victim has been identified as:
Melissa Anderson
White female, 64 years old
This afternoon, the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad presented their findings to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, resulting in formal charges against:
Joseph Marino
White male, 30 years old
Marino has been charged with:
Count I: Murder 1st degree – Class A Felony
Count II: Tampering with evidence – Class E Felony
The case began when the Sunset Hills Police Department responded to a call for a well-being check in the 11000 block of Sunlind Drive. When officers arrived, they located Melissa Anderson deceased in the basement of the residence with significant injuries to her head and upper torso. The Major Case Squad was activated, and detectives responded to assist Sunset Hills Police Department with the investigation.
Investigators developed evidence linking Marino, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, to the homicide. He was taken into custody, and charges were subsequently filed. Marino is currently being held at the St. Louis County Justice Center on $1,000,000 cash-only bond.
This remains an active investigation, and the Major Case Squad will remain activated for the next several days.
Sgt. Melissa Doss
Public Information Officer
Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis
TWITTER: @MajorCaseSTL
For media follow-up – contact Sgt. Melissa Doss at 636-248-4025
