Carthage Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder

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Candida Hudson, a 39-year-old Carthage, Missouri resident, has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of her boyfriend, Donald Webb. Hudson initially claimed Webb committed suicide, but police found inconsistencies in her account and evidence that contradicted her story, including gunshot residue on her left hand and blood patterns on the gun indicating she was the shooter.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating potential homicides where the suspect claims self-defense or suicide. The evidence gathered by police appears to contradict Hudson's version of events, raising questions about domestic violence, mental health, and the availability of firearms in volatile relationships.

The details

According to the probable cause statement, Hudson arrived home from work on December 12 and encountered the intoxicated Webb, her boyfriend of about a year. An argument ensued, and Hudson claimed Webb threatened suicide, retrieved a gun, and shot himself. However, the investigation found several inconsistencies, including the fact that Hudson had gunshot residue on her left hand while Webb did not, and the blood pattern on the gun indicated the shooter was left-handed, contradicting Hudson's account. Authorities also noted Hudson's minimal remorse and defensive behavior when confronted with the discrepancies.

• On December 12, the incident occurred in Candida Hudson's Carthage, Missouri home.
• On February 20, 2026, Hudson waived her preliminary hearing and was bound over for trial.

What’s next

Hudson's arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on March 9 in Jasper County Circuit Court, Division 2, where she will formally enter a plea.