Police say Columbia woman dies after being thrown from Highway 63 bridge; suspect detained
A local woman died after being thrown by a man off the U.S. Highway 63 bridge at Clark Lane on Tuesday evening, the Columbia Police Department reported.
Police responded to a call about the incident around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.
The victim was identified as Kaylen Ann Schmit, 24, of Columbia, at about noon Wednesday by the department after next of kin were notified.
"Our condolences to Kaylen’s friends and family, and our thanks to those who responded to the incident and who helped identify (the suspect)," the department wrote on social media.
Jessie R. Williams, 31, of Columbia, was detained on suspicion of first- and fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest. Further arrest or court information was not yet available Wednesday morning.
Police seek a charge of first-degree murder.
We sadly report the death of a local resident. After a report of a person thrown over the Hwy 63 bridge at Clark Ln, we were able to locate & detain Jessie R. Williams, 31, of Columbia. We are grateful to those who called us to help get him in custody. Follow Twitter for updates. pic.twitter.com/Sd15eo1qHT
— ColumbiaPD (@ColumbiaPD) October 5, 2022
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"Officers quickly located the female in a wooded area beneath the highway," said Christian Tabak, department public information officer. "Fire and EMS also responded, and she was transported to University Hospital. She was provided extensive advanced trauma care, but sadly died hours later."
The investigation continues through the police department, medical examiner's office and Boone County prosecutor's office.
Witness descriptions allowed police to quickly identify Williams as the suspect, Tabak said. Williams resisted officers at the scene but was taken into custody without injury, Tabak added.
"Williams was paroled in August for the 2018 stabbing of a homeless man," Tabak said. "We are so thankful for the witnesses and officers who came forward and came together to get this man into custody. We are also grateful for the assistance of the fire and EMS personnel, as well as the staff at the University of Missouri Hospital who all gave great care."
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Police say woman killed after being thrown from U.S. Highway 63 bridge
