Missouri Tragedy: Good Samaritan Fatally Shot After Aiding Woman in Search of Shelter

Reports from Missouri detail a tragic incident over the weekend involving a man who was fatally shot after offering a ride to a woman in need of shelter. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that William Palmer was discovered early Sunday morning, having succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

According to First Alert 4, Brittany Rivoire, 36, is accused of shooting Palmer and subsequently stealing his truck. It is believed that Palmer, displaying his characteristic generosity, stopped to assist Rivoire by offering her a ride.

Palmer’s fiancé, Riyen Jones, spoke to the media about his compassionate nature, noting that he was well-known for providing rides to those in need. This tragic incident underscores the dangers that can sometimes accompany acts of kindness.

William Palmer, a dad, was allegedly murdered by a female hitchhiker in St. Louis, Mo. (Riyen Jones/GoFundMe)

Palmer’s fiancé, Riyen Jones, told the news outlet he was known for picking up people who needed rides.

“I used to tell him all the time not to pick up people off the side of the road anymore. He did it a lot. If he saw someone walking, he was picking them up and taking them as far as he could,” Jones said.

Palmer was collecting scrap metal Saturday night when he encountered Rivoire, Jones said. 

Brittany Rivoire, a woman arrested for allegedly murdering a man in St. Louis, Mo. (SLMPD)

Palmer’s friend was also in his vehicle when he picked up Rivoire, but got out after becoming concerned about her behavior, investigators said. 

“As far as we know, she asked him at a gas station to take her to a warming shelter because she was cold,” Palmer’s fiancé, Jones, said. 

“For somebody to take him for granted when all he was doing was helping her and then to do it to basically take his truck is … I can’t wrap my head around it,” she added. 

William Palmer was murdered by a woman he offered a ride to, Missouri authorities said.  (Riyen Jones/GoFundMe)

Rivoire faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

She remains in jail without bond.