In a quiet St. Louis neighborhood, the lives of four young girls were forever altered on April 23, 2025, when they witnessed an unthinkable tragedy. Their mother, 35-year-old Christina Lynn Rentchler, a pregnant woman full of life and hope, was gunned down in their home in front of them. The loss of Christina and her unborn child has left a community reeling and her family grappling with unimaginable grief. The man accused of this heinous act, 28-year-old Vanier T. Jones, now faces a litany of charges as authorities piece together the events of that horrific day.
The tragedy unfolded in the 4100 block of Farlin Avenue, in the city’s Fairground Park neighborhood. According to court documents, Jones approached Christina’s four daughters, all under the age of 10, and asked them where their mother was. The girls, unaware of the danger, pointed to their mother. Moments later, Jones allegedly drew a firearm and shot Christina multiple times, including a fatal shot to the back of her head. Emergency responders arrived to find Christina unresponsive, and despite their efforts, both she and her unborn child, who was in the second trimester, were pronounced dead at the scene.
A second woman, aged 42, was also shot during the incident but survived by playing dead. She later told investigators that Jones had been staying at the home and had become enraged before opening fire. Her quick thinking likely saved her life, and her account has provided critical insight into the moments leading up to the shooting. She recounted hearing Jones ask the children about their mother’s whereabouts as she lay still, fearing for her life.
Five children, ranging in age from 2 to 10, were present in the home at the time of the shooting. Some were Christina’s daughters, while the identity of the fifth child remains unclear from public records. The trauma of witnessing such violence at such a young age is immeasurable, and the community has rallied to support the surviving children. A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Christina’s brother Shawn, has raised thousands of dollars to cover funeral costs and help the children rebuild their lives. Shawn described his sister as a devoted mother whose love for her daughters was boundless, and he vowed to honor her memory by ensuring her children are cared for.
Jones, who was arrested the day after the shooting, has a lengthy criminal history that paints a troubling picture. In 2023, he was convicted of second-degree assault, and at the time of the shooting, he had absconded from federal supervised release. Authorities say he confessed to a witness that he had killed a woman, contradicting his initial claim to police that he was elsewhere during the crime. That witness, interviewed by investigators, confirmed they were not with Jones at the time and relayed his chilling admission.
Now held without bond, Jones faces 17 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Christina and her unborn child, five counts of first-degree child endangerment for the psychological harm inflicted on the children who witnessed the crime, one count of first-degree assault for the shooting of the second woman, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Additional charges of armed criminal action reflect the use of a gun in the commission of these felonies. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 12, 2025, when prosecutors are expected to present further evidence in what is shaping up to be a high-profile case.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has been diligent in its investigation, working to ensure justice for Christina, her unborn child, and the surviving victims. The case has sparked renewed conversations about gun violence, the supervision of parolees, and the devastating impact of crime on children. For now, the focus remains on supporting Christina’s daughters, who must navigate a future without their mother. The outpouring of love from neighbors, friends, and strangers alike serves as a small beacon of hope in the wake of this devastating loss. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Christina Rentchler—a mother, a sister, and a woman taken too soon—will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.