Jefferson County Authorities Arrest Suspect, Identify Victim in Homicide in the Barnhart Area

Authorities in Jefferson County have apprehended a suspect in a homicide that occurred Monday just off Interstate 55 in Barnhart.

According to the Jefferson’s County Sheriff Office, the suspect, 29-year-old Christopher Sokolic, Jr. of Barnhart, was arrested just after 1 a.m. Tuesday and charged with murder in the first degree and armed criminal action.

Captain Gary Higginbotham with the sheriff’s office and the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis says this started with a call around 12:30 in the afternoon.

Authorities were able to identify the victim as 40-year-old Zachary Tripp of Festus.

Sokolic, Jr. is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bail.