A routine act of kindness ended in heartbreak for a St. Louis family after a father of three was allegedly killed by a female hitchhiker he had picked up.
William Palmer, a devoted dad and community-minded man, lost his life in what police are calling a shocking and senseless crime. William Palmer and Brittany Rivoire
Picking Up a Stranger Turns Deadly
According to authorities, Palmer, 36, stopped to give a ride to Brittany Rivoire, also 36, who asked for help getting to a warming shelter.
The incident unfolded late Saturday night, and Palmer’s body was found just before 2:30 a.m. on Sunday.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Palmer had been out pursuing his hobby of collecting scrap metal when he noticed Rivoire on the side of the road.
At the time, he was with a friend, who reportedly left after noticing Rivoire’s unusual behavior, according to First Alert 4.
Family Speaks Out on His Generosity
Palmer’s fiancée, Riyen Jones, described him as someone who would stop for anyone in need.
“He always picked up people walking along the road. If he saw someone struggling, he wanted to help them,” she said.
Jones admitted she had warned him countless times about the dangers of picking up strangers.
“For someone to take advantage of him while he was just trying to help—it’s beyond comprehension,” she added.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Police say Rivoire had already flagged down another driver before the fatal incident.
She has a criminal history, including a 2024 conviction for tampering with a motor vehicle.
Authorities claim that during the encounter, she fired shots at Palmer’s head and then drove the vehicle recklessly for several blocks before abandoning it.
She is currently held in jail without bond.
Remembering a Loving Father
Palmer’s family painted a picture of a man who was always giving, often going out of his way to help strangers.
“William was the glue of our family,” Jones shared.
“He was kind, generous, and just an all-around wonderful person. He loved his kids and his friends fiercely.”
The family’s GoFundMe page describes him as “the nicest, big-hearted, helpful, and all-around great person,” and it has already raised nearly $2,000 toward its $3,000 goal.
Survived by a Heartbroken Family
Palmer leaves behind his fiancée, Riyen Jones, his sons aged 21 and six, and his 18-year-old daughter.
His sudden death has left the family grappling with grief while the community mourns a man known for his generosity and selflessness.
