Illinois State Police said they still haven’t made any arrests in the
random shooting death of Lee Nixon, affectionately known as “The Rose Man.”
Nixon was shot while selling roses inside the Soft Touch nightclub in
Washington Park, Illinois about 1 a.m., Sunday morning.
A man who was allegedly ejected from the club by a bouncer allegedly
returned to the scene firing random shots. Nixon was pronounced dead at
shortly thereafter at St. Louis University Hospital.
While no arrests have been made, Illinois State Police say they have
leads and persons of interest.
“We met with other investigators for about an hour Tuesday morning and
agents are out actively working the case,” said Capt. Mark Bramlett,
zone commander for the Illinois State Police.
Nixon’s death is the talk of St. Louis and East St. Louis and some
homage gestures are in the works.
A vigil has been planned for 6 p.m., Thursday, June 28 at his store
location at Kingshighway and Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
Toya Batchman, who is organizing the vigil, said a proclamation from the
City of St. Louis is also in the works.
The Loft nightclub is throwing a “Tribute to the Rose Man” at 8 p.m.,
Sunday, June 29 at 3112 Olive St. All proceeds go to Nixon immediate
family.
“I don’t know if the family needs money, but we have to do something in
honor of such a great man,” said Drexel Stith, owner of The Loft.