The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Albert L. Walker, 49, of Hazelwood, MO, in connection with the September 5, 2026, death of Destiny S. Hooker, 46, of Fairdealing, MO. DDCC would like to thank the Leadington and Wright City Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation.

On September 5, 2026, the Leadington Police Department requested DDCC investigate a suspicious death in St. Francois County, MO. In the morning hours of September 5, 2026, law enforcement officers located a deceased body along U.S. Highway 67, just north of the St. Francois County Fairgrounds. The deceased was positively identified as Destiny S. Hooker, after a National Crime Information Center computer check revealed Hooker was entered as a missing/endangered person out of Wright City, MO. DDCC investigators followed up on investigative leads and identified a person of interest in the case.

During the investigation, DDCC personnel reviewed evidence and placed Walker in the area where Hooker’s body was recovered. Investigators developed probable cause connecting Walker to the death of Hooker. A probable cause statement was forwarded to the St. Francois County Prosecutor for consideration of felony charges. Wright City, MO, police officers had previously arrested Walker on unrelated charges and transported him to the Warren County Jail for questioning and contacted DDCC investigators.

On September 5, 2026, the St. Francois Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Walker with 1st Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Abandonment of a Corpse. A subsequent warrant was issued for his arrest. Walker remains incarcerated at the Warren County Jail without bond.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact Corporal J. Ashby at 636-300-2800 or by electronic email at Jason.Ashby@mshp.dps.mo.gov. The charges for which the above individual was arrested are a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

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