EAST ST. LOUIS – A convicted felon from East St. Louis admitted Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, that he possessed a firearm after shooting a homeless man in downtown St. Louis in October 2024, according to federal authorities.
Travion X. Cutler, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities said Cutler admitted that on Oct. 21, 2024, he was walking around a tent in Downtown St. Louis when a man who shared the tent returned from showering at a friend’s house.
The victim’s tentmate was inside the tent when Cutler fired a single shot, striking the victim in the abdomen, authorities said. Police quickly located Cutler, who turned and ran, dropping a .40-caliber handgun after he fell into some bushes, according to authorities. He was then arrested.
Federal authorities said Cutler is barred from possessing firearms because he is a felon.
Cutler is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 4, 2026. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Voss is prosecuting it.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative that coordinates federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors and other public safety partners to combat violent crime and improve public safety.
