

Bessie Thomas, St Louis, Missouri woman shoots dead Rita Williams, long time friend after argument devolves into physical violence at a QuickTrip gas station during outing with a 3rd friend.
A 46 year old Missouri woman has been charged with the shooting death of her ‘long time’ friend following an argument breaking out at the parking lot of a QuikTrip gas station in St Louis.
Bessie Thomas is alleged to have shot dead, 36 year old woman, Rita Williams after the two women while spending time with a ‘third friend’ became embroiled in an argument Saturday afternoon at a QuikTrip gas station located in the 900 block of South Vandeventer Avenue.
Police said the victim was in the passenger seat of the car when she and Thomas, who was in the back seat, began physically fighting. When the unarmed victim turned around, Thomas allegedly shot her in the head, KMOV reported.
Conflicting accounts of where St Louis victim was shot
Thomas who was found just feet from the deceased victim in the car was apprehended and now faces multiple charges, including First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, KSDK reported.
Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 5:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Williams suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a St. Louis Metropolitan Police probable cause statement, Thomas and the victim were roommates and had been friends for years. They were spending time with another long-time friend on Saturday when an argument erupted and escalated into gun violence.
Thomas was apprehended shortly after and remained custody and was ordered held without the possibility of bond.
A nearby security officer who asked not to be identified claimed that Williams was actually shot on Chouteau Avenue and managed to drive herself to the gas station before succumbing to her injuries.

Monday night vigil planned for St Louis mom of 4
Homicide detectives have yet to confirm if the shooting happened at the gas station or elsewhere, FOX2 reported.
In 2002, Thomas pleaded guilty to one felony count of possessing a controlled substance and in 2007 to two felony counts of child abuse. Following her 2007 conviction, Thomas was barred from possessing a firearm, police said.
Williams, a mother of four, was remembered by family and friends as a loving and devoted parent. A vigil has been planned for Monday evening to honor Williams’ memory.
Detectives continued to interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
If convicted of first degree murder, Thomas could face life in prison without parole.