Ferguson Woman Charged With First-Degree Murder After Retired Berkeley Fire Chief and His 15-Year-Old Daughter Shot Dead on North Clay Avenue

FERGUSON, MISSOURI — A 61-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she fatally shot a retired Berkeley fire chief and his 15-year-old daughter during a domestic-related incident on North Clay Avenue.

Linda Hayden has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with the February 21, 2026 shooting in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue in Ferguson.

Officers Respond to Evening Shooting Call

Police said officers responded to the scene around 6:15 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency medical efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Hayden was taken into custody at the location and later transported to the St. Louis County Justice Center. She is currently being held on a $2 million cash-only bond.

Victims Identified as Respected Fire Chief and Teen Daughter

Authorities identified the victims as retired Berkeley Fire Chief Henry Williams and his 15-year-old daughter, Halayna Williams.

Henry Williams was widely respected in the St. Louis-area firefighting community and remembered as a devoted father. Halayna was described as a student-athlete who played basketball and was known among peers and teachers as a well-liked and dedicated student. The deaths have sent shockwaves through both the firefighting community and the broader Ferguson area.

Police Describe Incident as Domestic-Related

Investigators stated that the shooting appears to be an isolated, domestic-related incident. Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The case remains under active investigation as detectives continue gathering evidence and preparing for court proceedings. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the incident to contact law enforcement.

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