At around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Ferguson Police Department responded to a reported medical emergency—at first referred to as a “sick case”—in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri. The address is a single-family home in a peaceful residential area adjacent to the Ferguson Community Center and the crossroads of Paul Avenue and North Clay Avenue, just west of downtown Ferguson.
Upon entering the home in the 500 block, officers discovered two victims suffering from severe gunshot wounds. Retired Berkeley Fire Chief Henry Williams, 63, and his 15-year-old daughter Halayna Williams were both found inside the residence with multiple gunshot injuries. Emergency medical personnel from Ferguson Fire and EMS arrived shortly after and attempted life-saving measures, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting was described as a domestic-related incident by Ferguson police. Investigators determined the weapon used was a firearm owned by Williams, and the deaths were ruled a murder-suicide. The exact sequence of events inside the North Clay Avenue home remains under review, with no other individuals present or injured during the incident.
The Ferguson Police Department secured the scene in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue and worked with the St. Louis County Police Major Case Squad to process evidence. Crime scene tape surrounded the residence as detectives interviewed neighbors and gathered statements. The investigation confirmed no active threat to the community, and the case was classified as a closed murder-suicide.
Henry Williams had served as Berkeley Fire Chief for many years before retiring, earning respect across the St. Louis region for his leadership and dedication. His daughter Halayna was a sophomore at McCluer North High School, known for her kindness and involvement in school activities. The loss of the father and daughter has deeply affected the Ferguson and Berkeley communities.
The St. Louis area continues to mourn the tragic event at the North Clay Avenue residence in Ferguson. Counseling services have been offered to family, friends, and first responders impacted by the shooting. The Ferguson Police Department urges anyone with information to contact investigators as they finalize their report on the incident.