A deadly afternoon in St. Louis' West End has led to the arrest of a city resident now facing a slate of serious charges in the killing of a Hazelwood man earlier this month. Police say 59-year-old Timothy Rice was found shot inside a minivan on February 2, and on February 23 officers arrested Arthur T. Woods, who is now charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of armed criminal action.
Scene and victim
The shooting unfolded around 3:50 p.m. on February 2 in the 5900 block of Julian Avenue. Responding officers found a man in his 50s suffering from gunshot wounds inside a minivan. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene, and detectives later identified him as 59-year-old Timothy Rice of Hazelwood, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Arrest and charges
On February 23, police took Arthur T. Woods into custody and prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of armed criminal action. Investigators say surveillance footage and other evidence linked Woods to the shooting, as reported by FOX 2.
What investigators are asking
Homicide detectives are still working the case, reviewing the scene and available video while looking for witnesses who can help explain what led up to the killing. Police said tips can be shared with the Homicide Division at 314-444-5371 or submitted anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS, according to the department.
Legal status
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office has taken on the case and will prosecute the charges against Woods. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Online court records did not immediately list a scheduled initial appearance for Woods, according to FOX 2.
