ST. LOUIS, MO (June 2, 2025) — William Gourley, 44, was sentenced Monday to 18 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to three counts of second-degree kidnapping and three counts of armed criminal action for his role in a hostage situation that shutdown much of the City’s Downtown on January 24, 2024.

Gourley held three family members, including two children, in a hotel room in the 500 block of South 4th Street for more than 10 hours while armed with a handgun. Police negotiated with him throughout the day, ultimately securing the safe release of all individuals and recovering a loaded firearm from the room.

At the time of the incident, Gourley was out on bond for a prior domestic violence case. He has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for robbery, felonious restraint, armed criminal action, unlawful restraint, possession of a controlled substance, and domestic battery.

Assistant Circuit Attorney Grant Simon prosecuted the case.

“The defendant engaged in deliberate and dangerous conduct that created a high-risk situation that disrupted the heart of our city and endangered lives,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “This outcome reflects our office’s commitment to holding violent domestic abusers accountable.”

Case Number: 2422-CR00224-01.