By Argus Staff Report
Two St. Louis men have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Ronald Milton, the popular owner of Backyard Barbeque, whose killing last month shocked residents across North County and the wider Ferguson community.
According to court records, Todd Weems and Darion Heartfield are each facing multiple felony charges tied to what investigators described as an ambush-style attack that left Milton dead and two women injured.
Authorities say the shooting occurred April 19 near New Halls Ferry Road as Milton, 41, was closing his food truck for the evening. Investigators allege that three masked men dressed in black arrived at the location in a vehicle before one suspect exited the back seat and opened fire using what police described as an assault-style rifle.
Milton was struck multiple times and later died from his injuries. Two women standing nearby were also wounded during the gunfire but survived.
Witnesses told investigators the suspects fled immediately after the shooting. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the vehicle speeding away from the scene moments after the attack.
Approximately 20 minutes later, law enforcement officers in Illinois located the suspected getaway vehicle engulfed in flames. Investigators say surveillance cameras in the area showed three men matching witness descriptions leaving the burning vehicle shortly afterward.
Police say evidence collected during the investigation linked the suspects to the crime scene. Shell casings recovered near Milton’s food truck reportedly appeared consistent with evidence later found near Weems’ residence, although authorities noted forensic testing remains ongoing to officially confirm a ballistic match.
Investigators also allege that surveillance footage from a nearby gas station placed both Weems and Heartfield approximately five minutes from the food truck shortly before the shooting. Additional footage allegedly showed the pair near the burned getaway vehicle after the attack.
Both men are charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and three counts of armed criminal action.
Heartfield is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 15. Weems appeared in court Friday morning as the criminal proceedings continue.
Milton’s death drew widespread grief throughout the Ferguson and North County communities, where Backyard Barbeque had become a well-known local business and gathering place. Friends, customers, and residents remembered Milton as a hardworking entrepreneur whose food truck had developed a loyal following across the region.
