Saint Louis University students who regularly patronize local bars might want to have some added concern for their safety.

Directly across the street from the Village Apartments, a fatal stabbing took place at the Laclede Street Bar & Grill on Thursday,

Jan. 3.

At approximately 2:45 a.m., Michael Metzger of the Hi-Point neighborhood stabbed Michael Weger in what is believed to be a dispute over a girlfriend.

Weger, 23, of Mehlville, was stabbed in the abdomen during a fight inside the restaurant. Metzger had previously exited the bar, but had re-entered prior to the incident.

Metzger, 19, initially claimed self-defense, but was charged with second-degree murder on Tuesday, Jan. 8, after being arrested the previous Monday.

He was first arrested but was released by police after seeking treatment at a hospital for facial injuries sustained in the fight. He admitted to stabbing Weger but claimed it was in self-defense.

Detectives said Weger was not armed.

However, witnesses claim both suspects were drinking and that Metzger was the aggressor.

No students from Saint Louis University were involved, but at least three other men, all minors, have been arrested in the case.

Even though the homicide took place near campus, it will not be placed on the campus crime report. This is the second homicide within a year that took place less than a block from campus property. The first was at the Amaco station on the corner of Compton Avenue and Olive Street, across from the Olive-Compton Garage.

Ever since the stabbing, SLU’s campus has been buzzing with rumors and suspicions. However, the Department of Public Safety is unable to comment on the incident because it was not a campus crime.

The St. Louis Police Department was unable to elaborate on the stabbing due to its current stage in the investigation.