In the early hours of a Monday morning in Hazelwood, Missouri, the quiet of the Extend-A-Stay Suites was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Inside one of the rooms, 32-year-old William Rayford was found, having been shot multiple times. The Hazelwood Police Department responded to a call about the shooting at approximately 1:45 a.m. on May 4, 2020. Upon their arrival at the hotel located at 7350 N.
Hanley Road, officers discovered Rayford, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the death of the male victim quickly centered on a person of interest. Law enforcement released photographs of 28-year-old Jovotiney Powell, who they believed had information regarding the fatal shooting. A suspect was reportedly seen leaving the scene on foot following the incident. The Hazelwood Police Department's Criminal Investigation Team took charge of the case, seeking information from the public to aid in their inquiries.
Further details emerging from the investigation suggested that the shooting occurred while Rayford was allegedly involved in a drug transaction at the hotel. While a person of interest was identified, the narrative of the events that transpired in that hotel room remains a key focus for investigators as they piece together the final moments of William Rayford's life.
