Festus, Missouri – A homicide suspect was found dead Sunday morning inside a Festus hotel following an overnight standoff with law enforcement.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, 69-year-old Billy Moman was discovered around 7 a.m. inside a room at the Holiday Inn Express on Gamel Cemetery Road with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives, negotiators and SWAT officers had worked for hours attempting to take him into custody.
Moman was allegedly connected to the killing of 46-year-old Marijon Ludwig, whose body was found stabbed and shot Saturday afternoon, Feb. 14, in a home in the 2600 block of Winding Valley Drive in Fenton. Investigators said Moman and Ludwig knew each other, though the nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Authorities tracked Moman to the Festus hotel Saturday evening. Deputies evacuated guests and employees from the building before attempting multiple approaches to get him to exit his room, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
SWAT officers later located Moman’s body using a drone. Officials confirmed no deputies fired their weapons and no other injuries were reported.
Sheriff Dave Marshak said the investigation remains ongoing.
The evacuation and police presence drew significant attention in the area, particularly for hotel guests and nearby residents.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
