In a heartbreaking turn of events, William Palmer's generous spirit led to his untimely death in the early hours of Sunday. Palmer, known for his kind nature, was found dead just before 2:30 a.m. near N 9th and Olive in downtown, after allegedly being shot by Brittany Rivoire, the woman he had picked up on the side of the road during the frigid night.
Palmer's tragic story unfolded when he offered a ride to 36-year-old Rivoire, only for it to end in violence. According to reports from KMOV, Rivoire allegedly turned on Palmer, shooting him and subsequently stealing his truck. The chilling incident has left a community in shock and mourning, with Rivoire now facing serious charges including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action, and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.
"I used to tell him all the time not to pick up people off the side of the road anymore. He did it a lot. If he saw someone walking, he was picking them up and taking them as far as he could," shared Palmer’s fiancée, Riyen Jones, reflecting on his selfless nature.
Palmer's fiancée, Riyen Jones, expressed her sorrow and frustration, sharing how she often warned him against picking up strangers. Despite her concerns, Palmer’s desire to help those in need remained unwavering, a testament to his compassionate character. The incident has sparked conversations in the community about the risks associated with such acts of kindness.
As the legal process unfolds, the emotional toll on Palmer’s loved ones is palpable. The community mourns a man who was simply trying to make the world a kinder place, while also grappling with the reality of the dangers that can accompany such good deeds. The case serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous acts of kindness can sometimes be.