Sixty-one-year-old Linda Hayden of Ferguson has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in the February 21, 2026, double homicide in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue.
Ferguson detectives presented the case to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office after their investigation, and Hayden’s bond has been set at two million dollars cash only. She remains at the St. Louis County Justice Center.
Police say officers responded around 6:15 p.m. to what was reported as a medical emergency. When they arrived, they found an adult man and a teenage girl suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save them, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as retired Berkeley Fire Chief Henry Williams and his 15-year-old daughter, Halayna Williams. Halayna was an emerging basketball player at her high school and was deeply loved by classmates and staff.
Chief Doyle said the collaboration between agencies helped move the case forward quickly. He added that there is no ongoing threat to the public and that the shooting appears to be an isolated, domestic-related incident.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Ferguson police at 314-522-3100.
On behalf of The New Real STL News, we send our prayers and support to the Williams family as they navigate this devastating loss.
