MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Scott B. White
573-751-1000
F160408
April 30, 2016

EMPHASIS:

On Friday, April 29, 2016, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop F, was notified a person arrested by troopers on April 27, 2016 had died, while at University of Missouri Hospital, in Colum Troop F Death Investigation Columbia, MO.

During the afternoon hours of Wednesday, April 27, 2016, troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigative Unit and members of Troop F stopped a vehicle on Missouri Route BB, near Eugene, in Cole County. Troopers stopped the vehicle after observing William S. Westfall, 21 of Eugene; as the operator, a known fugitive. During the course of the traffic stop, Westfall and three other occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of methamphetamine. All four subjects were taken in to custody without incident and transported from the scene. At U.S. Highway 54 and Goller Road, in Cole County, a trooper recognized indications that Westfall was possibly experiencing physical and mental distress. The trooper transported Westfall directly to Capital Region Medical Center, in Jefferson City. A preliminary investigation revealed Westfall possibly ingested an unknown amount of methamphetamine, prior to having contact with the troopers. The three other subjects were transported to the Cole County Jail.

On April 27, 2016, the Cole County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Westfall with distribution of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $75,000, however Westfall remained hospitalized for medical treatment. He was ultimately transported to University of Missouri Hospital, in Columbia, MO.

The Cole County Prosecuting Attorney also charged the other occupants of the vehicle as below:

Katherine E. Rice, 24, of Jefferson City, possession of controlled substance, bond $30,000.
Michael J. Taylor, 20, of Russellville, possession of controlled substance, bond $30,000.
Brandon P. Cavaness, 25, of Jefferson City, possession of controlled substance, bond $10,000.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol was notified Westfall had died on April 28, 2016 at 9:09 p.m., while at University of Missouri Hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is continuing the investigation.

The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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