In the midst of downtown St. Louis's rush hour traffic on January 15, 2015, a violent encounter cut short the life of 32-year-old Cheri Simpson. Simpson was behind the wheel of her car, accompanied by her current boyfriend and another male passenger, when a vehicle began to pursue them through the busy streets. The driver of the other vehicle was her ex-boyfriend, 49-year-old Willie Barnes.
Barnes gestured for Simpson to pull over, but she continued driving, attempting to navigate away
from the escalating situation. Her journey came to a halt at a red light at the intersection of S. Tucker Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue. Seizing the opportunity, Barnes pulled his vehicle up alongside hers. After a brief verbal exchange, he opened fire, striking Simpson in the shoulder and chest. Her boyfriend was also wounded in the attack, suffering a gunshot to his hands. Simpson was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The brazen nature of the rush-hour shooting did not allow for a lengthy getaway. Within 90 minutes of the incident, police apprehended Willie Barnes. Investigators also recovered a. 38 special revolver, which they believed to be the weapon used in the fatal shooting. Barnes was subsequently charged with a litany of serious offenses, including first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault, and shooting a firearm at a motor vehicle.
The case against Barnes moved through the legal system, drawing public attention due to the violent and public circumstances of the crime. Prosecutors presented evidence of his premeditation, focusing on his pursuit of Simpson's vehicle. Despite any arguments from the defense, the weight of the evidence led to a conviction, holding Barnes accountable for the murder of Cheri Simpson.
