ST. LOUIS — William Palmer’s family, friends, and a grieving city are trying to make sense of a life cut short early Sunday in downtown St. Louis. Palmer, known for his kindness, died after being shot in the early hours of February 1, 2026, in a block of North 9th Street, leaving a community stitched together by sadness and disbelief.
Police with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department say officers were called just after 2:25 a.m. to reports of gunfire near the 900 block of North 9th. When they arrived, they found Palmer, in his 50s, with a gunshot wound. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras later showed the moments leading up to the shooting.
According to investigators, Palmer had stopped that morning to help a woman who was out in the cold. The woman, later identified by authorities as 36-year-old Brittany A. Rivoire, had caught his attention and he offered assistance so she wouldn’t be left outside in the frigid weather. What started as a generous gesture took a tragic turn when Rivoire allegedly pulled a gun and shot Palmer before fleeing in his truck. The vehicle was found abandoned a few blocks away.
Police were able to track her movements with help from the Real Time Crime Center, using surveillance cameras to direct officers to her location. Rivoire was taken into custody shortly afterward, and a handgun was recovered. She has since been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with a motor vehicle. She is being held without bond as the case moves forward.
Friends and loved ones describe Palmer as a gentle spirit, the kind of person who would stop to help a stranger — even in the darkest hours of the morning. “He was the first one to lend a hand,” said one friend who asked not to be named. “I still can’t believe this happened. He just wanted to help.” The pain in the community reverberated throughout Monday, as people lit candles and shared memories of Palmer’s warmth and quiet generosity.
The downtown neighborhood where the shooting took place has seen its share of police activity, and neighbors say they are shaken but determined to hold onto hope. Many are calling for deeper conversations about violence, homelessness, and the support systems that might prevent moments like this from happening again. Police continue to appeal for anyone with additional information to come forward.
Palmer’s death is a stark reminder of how quickly a single moment can change so many lives. His family released a statement through their attorney, asking for privacy as they grieve, and urging the community to remember William not for the violent way he died, but for the compassion he showed every day. They described a man devoted to his family, his friends, and his community — someone whose absence will be felt for years to come.
Police say the investigation remains active, and detectives are piecing together the full timeline of events leading up to the shooting. As Rivoire awaits her next court appearance, St. Louis mourns a life lost while trying to do something kind for another person.
