Pianos For People Founder Shot In Carjacking Near Forest Park

ST. LOUIS, MO — Tom Townsend, the founder of a local musical nonprofit, was critically injured in an attempted carjacking Tuesday, the Post-Dispatch reports. Police say Townsend was shot in the neck in the 700 block of South Skinker Boulevard just west of Forest Park around midnight. Family members say he will need reconstructive facial surgery, but is expected to survive.

Townsend's nonprofit, Pianos for People, "connects people who need pianos with pianos who need people," according to the group's website. Townsend and his wife, Jeanne Townsend, started the charity in 2012 after their son, Alex, was killed in a car crash.

"Alex was an avid musician who grew up playing music and going to concerts," Pianos for People's website says. "Music always provided him with a creative outlet that too few young people have today."

The group say it has delivered more than 150 pianos to individuals and community organizations across St. Louis. Pianos for People also runs a free music school on Cherokee Street which provides free piano lessons to more than 80 current students.

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Pianos for People's executive director, Sheena Duncan, encouraged anyone interested in showing support for Townsend to make a donation to the nonprofit.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers toll free at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). All callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. Tips can also be submitted through the CrimeStoppers website or free app.

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