ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – A St. Louis County family is grieving after their loved one was found dead in a burning car early Sunday morning. It happened around 3:15am on McRee Avenue in St. Louis’ Botanical Heights neighborhood.
Vinnie Cascella, 24, was listening to music on Cherokee Street until around 1:45am Sunday, according to his mother, Eve Cascella. An hour and a half later, St. Louis Fire Captain Garon Mosby says firefighters were called to the 4000 block of McRee for a car fire. It’s their protocol to always thoroughly check the burning vehicle, for any evidence of foul play. That’s when firefighters discovered Vinnie, who police say was shot in the chest.
It was devastating, unthinkable news for his mother, who spoke to FOX 2 off camera. She says Vinnie was the youngest of four siblings.
His passion was music. He loved going to music festivals, listening to local bands, and playing the harmonica on his patio. Vinnie’s mother says he was a gentle soul, who loved relaxing with friends, and making people laugh. He loved tie dye.
He grew up in Town and Country, and went to Westminster Christian Academy, where he played ice hockey.
Vinnie was a server at several restaurants, most recently, at Llywelyn’s Pub in Wildwood. Employees say he was well-liked, and they were shocked by what happened.
At this point, police have no updates on the circumstances surrounding Vinnie’s death. Police and the family ask that if anyone has information, to call Crime Stoppers at 866-371-8477.
