A 61-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of retired fire chief Henry Williams and his 15-year-old daughter, Ha’layna Elliot, inside their home in Ferguson, Missouri.
According to investigators, Linda Hayden, who was Williams’ live-in girlfriend, faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in the killings. Authorities allege the shootings were a domestic-violence-related incident.
Victims Found Shot Inside Their Home
Family members discovered the victims on February 21 after becoming concerned when they could not reach Williams. When relatives arrived at the residence, they found Williams, 63, in the kitchen with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His daughter, Ha’layna Elliot, was found in her bedroom with a gunshot wound to the forehead.
Police responding to the scene found Hayden barricaded inside the master bedroom. Officers recovered a .38-caliber revolver with spent shell casings and live rounds nearby.
Investigators said Hayden allegedly made statements at the scene indicating she believed she was “the villain in the story,” according to court records.
Suspect in Custody, Facing Life in Prison or Death Penalty
Hayden was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held on a $2 million cash-only bond at the St. Louis County Justice Center. If convicted, she could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty under Missouri law.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Community Mourning Beloved Coach and Rising Student Athlete
Henry Williams was a respected former fire chief in Berkeley and a longtime volunteer girls’ basketball coach. Friends and former players remembered him as a dedicated mentor who made a lasting impact on young athletes.
Ha’layna Elliot, a sophomore at Pattonville High School, was described as a talented and promising basketball player with a bright future ahead. Teammates and community members have expressed grief over the loss of both father and daughter.
Investigation Ongoing
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings. Prosecutors have not yet publicly disclosed a specific motive but indicated the case appears to stem from a domestic dispute.
Hayden remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
