An ex-girlfriend is charged with the shooting d8aths of a former fire chief and his 15-year-old daughter in the United States.
The shooting happened just after 6 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at a home in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri.
The spokesperson for the Ferguson Police Department said at approximately 6:15 p.m., police say officers responded to a reported medical emergency in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult man and a teenage girl suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite life-saving efforts, both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victims were identified as retired Berkeley Fire Chief Henry Williams and his 15-year-old daughter, Halayna Williams.
Police located 61-year-old Linda Hayden locked inside the primary bedroom and took her into custody.
Authorities confirmed Hayden was Williams’ ex-girlfriend.
Detectives recovered a .38 caliber revolver from the primary bedroom, which contained three live rounds and two spent casings.
Police allege Hayden told investigators she would be cast as the villain in the story but claimed Williams was a bad person.
Linda Hayden has been charged with two counts of first-degree m8rder and two counts of armed criminal action.
Detectives presented the case to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office following their investigation.
Her bond has been set at $2 million cash only, and she remains held at the St. Louis County Justice Center.
Authorities stated the shooting appears to be an isolated, domestic-related incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active.
