William Hester, a 42-year-old African-American man, was found shot to death in St. Louis on April 18, 2008. The killing occurred during a period of rising violent crime in the city; police described the scene as yielding few leads and the timeline of Hester’s final moments as fragmented.

Detectives from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Division searched for physical evidence and sought witnesses but encountered limited tangible evidence and little community cooperation. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified or charged; the case later grew cold and has been periodically reviewed as investigators hope for forensic advances or new tips.

Anyone who knew William, saw activity in the area that day, or has information that could help investigators is asked to come forward.