Three men were shot, one fatally, Saturday morning at a duplex in the 5200 block of Jamieson Avenue in southwest St. Louis.

Anthony Altick, 27, of the 5200 block of Jamieson Avenue, was charged today with two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action in connection with the shootings. He is being held in the St. Louis City Justice Center in lieu of $750,000 cash only-bail.

Police identified the victim that was fatally shot as Darryl T. Simms, 27, of the 900 block of North 71st Street in East St. Louis. Police said the shootings were not random and that the suspect and at least one of the victims knew each other. The three men, 25, 24 and 26, who were outside at the rear of the duplex suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The shots were fired from inside, police said.

Darryl T. Simms, 27, of East St. Louis, was killed. He suffered wounds to his chest, back and side.

The 25-year-old man was shot in the upper torso and listed as critical but stable late Saturday. The third man, 24, suffered wounds to his arm and side was listed as serious but stable.

Police said a fourth victim ran from the scene, but did not give any information on what injuries he may have suffered.

The suspect in the shootings had not been charged as of late Saturday.

Lynn Valli, who lives near the duplex, said she heard four gunshots shortly before 6:15 a.m. and called police. She later saw one of the victims lying in the alley behind the duplex.

A man who identified himself only as Bill from eastern Tennessee said he was visiting his son in a nearby apartment when he also heard the shots. Bill said he heard a man tell police he believed those shot wanted to steal guns the man owns.

Jayne Vollmer, who lives a few blocks away, said shootings and disturbances are rare in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood.

"It is a great community, and you can knock on anybody's door and they'll help you if you need help," Vollmer said.

"You still feel safe here, and thank God it (the shootings) wasn't random," Vollmer said.