ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The investigation into the fatal October 14 shooting of 17-year-old Alyssa Wilson on Interstate 170 has raised new questions about a separate highway shooting three days earlier, following published reports describing evidence cited in a federal firearms case.
Willie Herndon faces Missouri charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Wilson’s death. Taiya Herndon faces a separate charge of hindering prosecution. Willie Herndon also reportedly faces a federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Federal investigation raises questions about another shooting
According to October 19 reporting describing the federal firearms allegations, investigators recovered cartridge cases bearing MaxxTech 23 7.62×39 ammunition markings from the October 14 shooting and from an October 11 shooting near Interstate 55 and Bates Avenue. A scoped rifle reportedly recovered from an Illinois hotel room associated with the defendants contained ammunition bearing the same markings.
Matching ammunition markings do not establish that the same gun fired shots at both scenes. A forensic comparison of cartridge cases would be needed to assess whether the same firearm was involved. No confirmed ballistic match between the two shootings has been independently established for this report.
VOTP News STL has not independently obtained the federal criminal complaint. The details attributed to that complaint are drawn from published reporting and should not be treated as independently verified forensic findings.
Investigation into Wilson’s death
According to published accounts of the Major Case Squad investigation, surveillance footage showed a white Buick Enclave pulling onto the shoulder of southbound I-170 near St. Charles Rock Road shortly before Wilson was shot. Investigators allege Willie Herndon exited the passenger side. Wilson’s vehicle later crashed near Midland Boulevard in Overland, and she died after being taken to a hospital.
Investigators reportedly traced a vehicle of interest to a hotel in Caseyville, Illinois, where Willie and Taiya Herndon were taken into custody. The criminal allegations against the defendants are separate; Taiya Herndon’s hindering-prosecution charge does not itself establish participation in the shooting.
Unanswered questions
Authorities have not publicly established that the October 11 and October 14 highway shootings were committed with the same firearm or by the same person. A shared motive has not been confirmed. Any further charges or forensic findings must be established through official investigative statements or court records.
Wilson was a senior at McCluer North High School. Her death has left her family and school community grieving as investigators and prosecutors continue their work.
VOTP News STL will continue reviewing Missouri criminal proceedings, the reported federal firearms case, and any official ballistic findings. Willie and Taiya Herndon are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sources
CBS Texas reporting; Spectrum News reporting; Reporting on the federal complaint; PACER federal court records.
