Man charged with murder in January shooting death of woman

21-year-old William Huntley Jr. accused of killing Shana Mack after argument over marijuana purchase

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of unresolved disputes and unchecked gun violence.St. Louis Today

A 21-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon in the January shooting death of a 36-year-old woman in St. Louis, Missouri. Police say the incident occurred after the two got into an argument following a marijuana purchase, with the woman threatening to call the police from a second-story window before the man opened fire, killing her.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of gun violence and the need for de-escalation in disputes, as well as the broader challenges of regulating the illegal drug trade and its associated risks of violence in urban communities.

The details

According to prosecutors, on January 12th, officers responded to a shooting in the 3700 block of Av De Paris Drive in North County, St. Louis, where they found 36-year-old Shana Mack with multiple gunshot wounds. Mack died at the scene. Witnesses told police that Huntley and Mack had gotten into an argument after a marijuana purchase, and that Mack had gone into a home and threatened from a second-story window to call the police. Huntley then allegedly fired multiple shots at Mack, killing her.

  • On January 12, officers responded to the shooting incident.
  • On April 18, William Huntley Jr. was charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The players

William Huntley Jr.

A 21-year-old man charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon in the shooting death of Shana Mack.

Shana Mack

A 36-year-old woman who was shot and killed by William Huntley Jr. after an argument over a marijuana purchase.

St. Louis County Prosecutors

The prosecutors who charged William Huntley Jr. with the crimes related to Shana Mack's murder.

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What’s next

Huntley is being held at the St. Louis County Jail on a $750,000 cash-only, no 10% bond. The judge will determine if he will be granted bail at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved conflict resolution, gun safety, and regulation of the illicit drug market in order to prevent further senseless acts of violence in St. Louis and other urban areas.