On Friday, October 31, 2025, 47-year-old Bessie Thomas pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in connection with the fatal shooting of her best friend, 36-year-old Rita Williams. She was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
At the time of her arrest, Thomas faced charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to police, Thomas and Williams had a long-standing friendship that tragically ended in violence. On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the two women were inside a vehicle at the QuikTrip located at Vandeventer and Chouteau when a verbal argument turned physical. Authorities say that during the altercation, Thomas shot Williams as she turned around. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
