Festus, Missouri – A homicide suspect died Sunday morning inside a Festus hotel after an overnight SWAT response prompted evacuations.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, detectives, negotiators and SWAT officers responded to the Holiday Inn Express in Festus and remained at the hotel throughout the night while attempting to take a man into custody.
Around 7 a.m. Sunday, authorities said the man shot himself inside a hotel room and was found dead. No shots were fired by officers, and no injuries to deputies or bystanders were reported.
Investigators believe the man was responsible for the death of a woman who was found dead Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in a home in Fenton. The sheriff’s office said the man was allegedly connected to that homicide. Additional details about the woman’s death have not yet been released.
Hotel guests were evacuated during the law enforcement operation for safety reasons. Authorities said guests are now being allowed back into certain areas of the building as the scene is processed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said more information will be released later Sunday.
The incident drew a significant law enforcement presence to the busy commercial corridor, affecting hotel guests and nearby morning traffic.
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