On the evening of March 26, 2021, 23-year-old Craig Williams was shot and killed outside his home on Hydraulic Avenue in the Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis. The shooting followed a prolonged, heated argument between Williams and his pregnant girlfriend that drew neighbors outside. A 63-year-old nearby resident, Dan Charles Rathman, inserted himself into the dispute and, according to court records and witness accounts, approached with a 9mm handgun.

Witnesses and cell phone video show Rathman positioning himself and taking aim before firing two shots as Williams stood up from his car; Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Rathman later told authorities he acted because he believed Williams was choking his girlfriend, a claim the girlfriend and other witnesses denied. About three weeks after the killing, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Rathman with second-degree murder and armed criminal action and he was arrested. Family and friends of Williams criticized the delayed arrest and raised concerns about racial dynamics in the response.

If anyone witnessed the argument or has additional video or information, please share what is known.