ST. LOUIS, MO (June 28, 2024) — Hunter Woodard, 60, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm for shooting and injuring a 13-year-old boy on September 21, 2022 in the 8600 block of Riverview Drive in the city’s North Pointe neighborhood. Judge Michael W. Noble sentenced Woodard to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections: 15 years for assault to be served concurrently with five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and an additional five years to be served consecutively for armed criminal action.

The 13-year-old victim was hit by a stray bullet while holding his nine-month-old sister in his arms as their father, Herman Roddy, worked on a car nearby. The boy, his sister and Roddy immediately ran behind a car to hide, while Roddy called 911. Roddy then drove the children to a nearby Dollar Store where they were met by police and an ambulance. The boy was taken to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for treatment. Despite being shot, the boy was able to keep hold of the baby and get her to safety.

The shooting was captured on multiple surveillance cameras. Video footage showed that Woodard was aiming at another person when a bullet from his gun hit the boy. At his sentencing, Woodard expressed remorse, apologized to Roddy, and said he had decided to plead guilty rather than put the boy through a trial.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Circuit Attorney Sherry Wolk.

“Adults trying to settle scores with guns pose an unacceptable threat to our community,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “Two innocent children could easily have been killed. At 60 years of age, this defendant knew better and will now pay the price for putting their lives at risk.”

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