Police: St. Louis man killed in game targeting innocent people

ST. LOUIS • Police said this afternoon that an elderly man was beaten to death as part of a game involving "unprovoked attacks on innocent bystanders."

Elex Levell Murphy, 18, of the 5400 block of Geraldine Avenue, was charged today with one count each of first-degree murder and first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action, according to court records. A judge has ordered him held without bail.

According to court records, Murphy and three other people aproached Hoang D. Nguyen, 72, and his wife, Yen, in an alley at the 3800 block of Spring Avenue at 10:45 a.m. Saturday as they headed home from a nearby Vietnamese market on the city's south side.

The couple used the alley as a shortcut to their apartment, at Spring and Chippewa Street.

Yen Nguyen told authorities that Murphy walked up to her husband, Hoang Nguyen, grabbed his jacket in the front and punched him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground. A second man kicked him in the abdomen causing injury to his ribs. Murphy then walked up to Yen Nguyen and punched her in the eye, causing severe bruises and an orbital fracture.

Hoang Nguyen later died of his injuries.

Police said they are still looking for the three others, a man and two women in their teens or 20s, who were with Murphy.

Murphy was taken into custody Tuesday. In an interview with police, he made a statement placing himself at the scene. He also told authorities that the attack was part of the "Knock-out Game," which he said targets innocent people, court records say.

Murphy was arrested twice this month on suspicion of larceny and trespassing, police said. Prosecutors have not yet filed charges in either arrest.

After the most recent arrest, Murphy was released from the city jail April 14, two days before Nguyen was beaten to death.

Police said they are not aware of any other incidents involving the game and that they are following leads to track down others involved.

Check back for updates.