Crime
46-Year-Old Woman Charged in the Fatal Shooting of Rita Williams at St. Louis QuikTrip
ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against 46-year-old Bessie Thomas in connection with the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Rita Williams, which occurred Thursday afternoon at a QuikTrip gas station located in the 900 block of South Vandeventer Avenue.
Thomas faces multiple charges, including First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Authorities confirmed that Thomas and Williams were known to each other, and the tragic incident stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated into violence.
Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 5:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Williams suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
Williams, a mother of four, has been remembered by family and friends as a loving and devoted parent whose untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her.
Thomas was apprehended shortly after the incident and is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
Detectives are working diligently to gather additional evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the department or anonymously through CrimeStoppers. Community cooperation is vital in ensuring justice for the Williams family and holding those responsible accountable.
Houston, TX – March 13, 2025 – A Houston man has been charged with murder following the death of his wife inside their home, while the victim’s family is seeking help in locating her missing dogs.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to a residence on Emma Forest Street early March 12, 2025, after receiving reports of a disturbance.
Upon arrival, officers encountered 34-year-old Chance Zane Chavez, who was reportedly covered in blood.
Officers secured Chavez and proceeded to search the home, where they discovered the lifeless body of his wife, 32-year-old Kristen Chavez, inside a bedroom.
She had suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following an initial investigation, HPD detectives arrested Chance Zane Chavez and formally charged him with murder.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive, and the case remains under investigation.
In addition to seeking justice for Kristen, her family is searching for her missing dogs, which were not found at the residence.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement.
The Houston Police Department urges anyone with additional details related to the case to come forward.