Two Ways With Erica Mena contestant Jardyn "Pee Wee" Walker has been found dead after being shot in a Missouri alley. He was 23. According to a news release issued to local NBC affiliate KSDK by the University City Police Department, Walker was found deceased in the alley after being reported missing on Tuesday, January 20. A man is in custody and has been charged with murder following Walker's death. KSDK reported on Wednesday, January 21, that Walker was reported missing after he did not show up to meet his sister at an Amazon facility for a prearranged ride home. Walker's failure to turn up prompted his sister to call the University City Police Department to report him missing as he was last seen in University City, who began searching for Walker, who was working as a delivery driver. What to Know About 'So You Think You Can Dance' Winner Joshua Allen's Death People reported on Thursday, January 22, that the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department joined the search for Walker hours later after being asked for assistance. Authorities were able to trace Walker's whereabouts via the "pinging" of his cell phone. "Officers were directed to the rear of an alley in the area of Olive & Whittier after the missing person's cell phone was revealed to be pinging in that area," the SLMPD said in a statement, according to People. Per the SLMPD, "There, officers discovered a man, 23, that had been shot." The SLMPD added Walker "died at the scene." An official cause of death has not been revealed. Per KSDK, police also responded to reports of an incident of shots being fired on Tuesday, January 20, at around 8.45pm, which was later connected to Walker's death. Jamaal Lamonte Jones, 27, was stopped by police on Tuesday night and allegedly found inside a vehicle with an assault rifle between his legs, per multiple media reports. Prosecutors have now charged Jones with first-degree murder, felony evidence tampering and armed criminal action. He was held without bond in the St. Louis City Justice Center. Us Weekly has reached out to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for comment. View this post on Instagram Walker was one of the contestants vying for the heart of Mena on the Zeus Network dating show, which aired in 2025. Following news of Walker's death, Mena shared an emotional tribute to him via Instagram on Thursday, January 22. "This one hurts my heart.💔 Been stuck trying to understand why since finding out. Jardyn was the youngest of my Lovers but his presence was powerful beyond his years. Tough, talented, full of light and full of dreams that were just getting started. He made it all the way to my finals for a reason ♥️✨because he had something special," she wrote alongside photos of Walker during his time on the show. "I'm grateful I got to laugh with you, work with you and share moments that I'll never forget. You brought energy, heart and authenticity into every space you walked into. I truly enjoyed my time with you more than you know. Child Star Imani Smith Dead at Age 26 After Boyfriend Is Charged for Murder Mena lamented how young Walker was at the time of his death, insisting he should have had the chance to grow older. "Your life was taken far too soon. 💔 You didn't deserve this. You deserved time. You deserved growth. You deserved to become everything you were dreaming of. I'm so crushed 💔," she wrote. "To his family and loved ones 🙏🏽my heart is with you. Please know that Jardyn was loved, respected and admired. His light was real and it will never be forgotten." She concluded the post, "Rest easy, Baby. Your name, your spirit and your impact will live on. ♥️🙏🏽✨" The Zeus Network's official Instagram page also shared condolences to Walker's family via a touching tribute. "Jardyn was a bright light whose energy, spirit, and presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and on all of us here at Zeus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and fans during this incredibly difficult time," the post read. "We extend our deepest condolences and ask that his loved ones be kept in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this loss." Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371.