Woman charged after Ferguson double homicide that killed retired Berkeley fire chief and another victim

What investigators say happened

A woman has been charged in connection with a double homicide in Ferguson after two people were found with gunshot wounds inside a residence in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue.

Police responded around 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, after receiving a call initially categorized as a request for medical help. Officers located a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were attempted, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Victims identified; second victim not publicly named

Authorities identified the male victim as Henry Williams, a retired Berkeley fire chief. The female victim had not been publicly identified as of Sunday evening, and officials have not released her age beyond describing her as a young adult.

Charging decision and what remains unknown

By Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, police confirmed that a woman had been charged in the case. Public updates did not include the charged person’s name, the specific counts filed, or whether the suspect was taken into custody or is being held in jail.

Investigators also have not released a motive, a description of any relationship between the suspect and the victims, or details about what occurred inside the home before shots were fired. Police have described the case as an active homicide investigation and have indicated that detectives are interviewing multiple people.

• Location: 500 block of North Clay Avenue, Ferguson
• Response time: about 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
• Victims: Henry Williams (retired Berkeley fire chief) and an unidentified young adult woman
• Status: a woman has been charged; investigation ongoing

How cases typically proceed after charges are filed

After charges are issued in a homicide case in St. Louis County, prosecutors generally must show probable cause to support the allegations, and the accused is entitled to an initial court appearance and bond determination. Investigations commonly continue after filing, as police and prosecutors gather additional evidence, conduct interviews, and review forensic findings.

The charged person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

What to watch next

Key next steps expected in the case include public release of the court filing identifying the defendant and the charges, formal identification of the second victim after family notification, and additional detail from investigators about the circumstances leading to the shooting.