Chris Hayes
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investigative reporter for Fox2 KTVI, known for my “one of a kind” encounters with Pam Hupp.
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Articles by Chris Hayes
Attacker gets 25 years for shooting woman over purse
ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Tyrone Miller was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting a 52-year-old woman in the face during a March 3, 2023, parking lot robbery in St. Peters. St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Joe McCulloch said Miller attacked the woman and her husband as they loaded groceries into their trunk at the Schnucks store near Highway 94 and Jungermann Road.
Family says they’re being deprived answers in mysterious death case
PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — Law enforcement agencies are refusing to release autopsy reports for 23-year-old Nathaniel Mueller, whose body was recovered from a Pike County pond in February 2025 after he disappeared in December 2024. Family members state that two autopsies were conducted on Mueller, but official requests for the records continue to be turned down.
Lawyers target MoDOT over fatal Highway 30 accident
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — Two attorneys are considering separate legal actions against the Missouri Department of Transportation following a fatal crash on Highway 30 in Jefferson County that left four people dead and several others injured. Crash survivor D.J. Politte was driving with his 5-year-old son, Colby, in the back seat when the collision occurred. “I was doing everything I was supposed to do, driving the speed limit,” Politte said.
Old North St. Louis redevelopment delayed by reported squatters
ST. LOUIS — Redevelopment efforts in Old North St. Louis are experiencing delays as local residents report that squatters occupying vacant properties are slowing neighborhood improvement plans. Old North St. Louis resident Anthony Perry said community members recently had to block off damaged properties to prevent people from entering prior to city demolition work. “Those were a big problem. We had to actually block it off to keep guys from going over there,” Perry said.
Firefighters must still avoid Belleville area bridge despite repair
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A repaired bridge in Stookey Township remains off-limits to heavy emergency vehicles after fire officials say they have not received official clearance to cross. Signal Hill Fire Department Chief Tom Elliff pointed out how a routine inspection by the State discovered damage under the 74th Street Bridge earlier this year, prompting engineers to drop its weight rating over the Norfolk Southern Railway line.
Survivor warns of danger after fatal Jefferson County crash
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — A survivor of a crash that killed four people at Highway 30 and Cedar Hill Road in Jefferson County is warning that the stretch of road remains dangerous for drivers. D.J. Politte and his 5-year-old son survived the four-fatality collision that occurred around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Politte said he was driving between 60 and 65 miles per hour in the slow lane when a wrong-way driver entered his lane of travel. “I see a big explosion. There was a kind of a dust cloud.
Man reunites with foster brother after 15 years of deception
LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. – A 29-year-old man says his foster mother lied to him for more than a decade by claiming his biological brother had died, according to police investigative records obtained by FOX 2 reporter Chris Hayes. Daniel Deutsch recently reunited with his brother, Calvin Lee Kelly Jr., in Sedalia, more than 15 years after being told his brother had passed away.
Cyraknow App launches to help people 'Say Stuff Right' — so they can speak with confidence
Cyraknow App launches to help people 'Say Stuff Right' — so they can speak with confidence Cyraknow is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store New pronunciation app takes the uncertainty out of saying tricky brand names and words.
Former fire marshal claims retaliation in Pattonville Fire Protection District lawsuit
BRIDGETON, Mo. — Former Fire Marshal Laurie Licavoli has filed a 29-page sex discrimination lawsuit against the Pattonville Fire Protection District, alleging she was disciplined and fired after raising public safety concerns. Licavoli served as a decorated firefighter during a 36-year career before becoming a fire marshal. Her lawsuit alleges she endured what she described as a discriminatory culture before being retaliated against for reporting a fire hazard.
Lincoln County foster mom defies judge after custody ruling
LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo — A 15-year-old boy who was reported missing in Lincoln County has been found following a family court hearing involving 70-year-old former foster mother Brenda Deutsch. Deutsch, who was previously convicted of child endangerment, expressed defiance outside the courtroom regarding judicial restrictions on her custody rights. When asked whether the judge’s order directing one final goodbye visit meant anything, Deutsch rejected the court’s authority.
Judge locks in January 2028 date for Pam Hupp trial
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Convicted killer Pam Hupp appeared in court Monday as Judge Joseph Rathert confirmed her trial for the 2011 stabbing death of Betsy Faria will be moved to St. Louis County. The trial is expected to begin in January 2028. Judge Rathert stated during the proceeding that the trial schedule will not be moved as he said the Jan.
5 years after I-70 shooting, survivor says police may have identified shooter
ST. LOUIS - Kemeric Winston says he's hearing from police they may be close to identifying who shot him on the interstate five years ago. “Even when I'm asleep, I have dreams about it,” he told FOX 2 on Friday. Winston, now 25 years old, survived being shot in the head in July 2021, just after 7 p.m. on I-70 West near the Branch Street exit in north St. Louis.
5 years after I-70 shooting, survivor says police may have identified shooter
ST. LOUIS – Kemeric Winston says he’s hearing from police they may be close to identifying who shot him on the interstate five years ago. “Even when I’m asleep, I have dreams about it,” he told FOX 2 on Friday. Winston, now 25 years old, survived being shot in the head in July 2021, just after 7 p.m. on I-70 West near the Branch Street exit in north St. Louis.
5 years after I-70 shooting, survivor says police may have identified shooter
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Kemeric Winston says he’s hearing from police they may be close to identifying who shot him on the interstate five years ago. ST. LOUIS - Kemeric Winston says he’s hearing from police they may be close to identifying who shot him on the interstate five years ago. “Even when I'm asleep, I have dreams about it,” he told FOX 2 on Friday.
5 years after I-70 shooting, survivor says police may have identified shooter
5 years after I-70 shooting, survivor says police may have identified shooter Fri, October 16, 2026 at 6:05 PM EDT ST. LOUIS - Kemeric Winston says he's hearing from police they may be close to identifying who shot him on the interstate five years ago. "Even when I'm asleep, I have dreams about it," he told FOX 2 on Friday. Winston, now 25 years old, survived being shot in the head in July 2021, just after 7 p.m. on I-70 West near the Branch Street exit in north St. Louis.
Daycare owner admits he faked business license, claims it was justified Original
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Missouri childcare inspectors recently cited Williams Academy on Natural Bridge Road for reportedly failing to pay city taxes since it opened in 2021. Beverly Hills Mayor Brian K. Jackson also accused the daycare owner of forging business licenses. “He owes for four years of taxes (adding that they give businesses their first year free),” he said.
Off-duty police officer linked to triple shooting after valor award Original
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – You can still see signs of the Belleville Police response from two nights ago on Freedom Drive where three people were shot and taken to hospitals. Police say all three people were involved in the shootings, and we’ve confirmed one of them was an off-duty East St. Louis police officer who just received a life-saving valor award the night before. The award involved an Oct. 6 car crash on the Eads Bridge in which one man died.
Video shows suspected St. Louis fire hydrant theft Original
ST. LOUIS – Video from Sept. 23 shows a fire hydrant theft that the St. Louis Water Division is still dealing with to this day. Nearly 80 hydrants were vandalized from Old North St. Louis down to the riverfront. FOX 2 caught up with the Water Division at Bulwer and Adelaide where workers were swapping out entire hydrants to fix the problem caused by a thief. “We don’t have the parts for the American Fire hydrants,” maintenance foreman Jerome Green said.
How one school was saved as millions spent on future demos Original
ST. LOUIS – Three historic schools in St. Louis City will soon be empty lots. Those demolitions are costing the St. Louis Public School District more than $3.6 million. FOX 2 News has discovered an example of another troubled school that was saved more than a decade ago. It was once called Arlington Elementary School but is now known as the Arlington Grove Apartments.
3-year-old run over by riding lawnmower while in foster care Original
MARION COUNTY, Ill. – A Belleville family, about to get custody of their child who was in foster care, learned their child was run over by a riding lawnmower. It happened in rural Illinois, and the child now being treated for injuries in St. Louis.
Jail video showing woman’s final moments reportedly missing Original
PIKE COUNTY, Mo. – The Pike County Jail is reportedly missing jail videos in the case of a woman who died after calling for help. New court documents accuse the sheriff’s office of failing to turn over key videos that are now gone. It’s a jail death case approaching a civil trial in the spring, and one in which we first reported on twice in June 2022. Hollie Grote documented her calls for help on a jail kiosk, where her dying words are now recorded in the court record.
Lawsuit claims facial recognition program led to wrongful arrest Original
CLAYTON, Mo. – A computer facial recognition program led police to a man who was arrested and then released 17 months later. That man is now suing not only police, but also Amazon Web Services for supplying the program that allegedly picked him out. FOX 2 News first reported on this case in February 2025. The lawsuit alleges Amazon Web Services pushed a facial recognition program on the St. Louis County Police Department, then failed to warn the department about problems with it.
Jailed former sheriff in court as he nears one year behind bars Original
ST. LOUIS – Alfred Montgomery was back in federal court Tuesday as his attorney fought to have emails excluded from evidence. Montgomery, wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and shackles, had little reaction. The former sheriff could be walking out of jail right now if he was only charged with that first misdemeanor that started the case. A February 2025 St. Louis Jail video documents the alleged civil rights violation against Alfred Montgomery.
Former St. Louis priest arrested again after federal investigation Original
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Federal probation officers found themselves in unincorporated St. Louis County last month, where convicted sex offender and former priest William F. Vatterott lives. It started with Vatterott’s simple reported failure to report a work mobile phone. That ended with the reported discovery of five unauthorized devices and then a more concerning discovery of what the feds reported finding on those devices.
Union says grievances against Cahokia Schools are out of the ordinary Original
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. – Contract negotiations between teachers and administrators at the Cahokia School District #187 are such that teachers are no longer required to give notice before walking off the job. As a teacher strike seems more likely, FOX 2 News requested a copy of complaints against the district. The Illinois Federation of Teachers supplied us with 19 active grievances filed against the district. This comes at a time when teachers have voted down the latest contract proposal.
Mysterious text message murder case ends in not guilty verdict
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo, - A Washington County jury has found Derek Politte not guilty of killing Christian Hildebrandt. It's the case involving Hildebrant's text message plea for help. A jury took just 90 minutes to decide Politte is not guilty. Christians mother, Kimberly Dodd, spoke to us by video call minutes after the decision. She was in tears as she found out the man originally charged with killing her son will now walk free.
Cahokia teachers propose new deal after rejected contract
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - Cahokia School District teachers are now offering a new contract proposal before possibly walking off the job. It comes after an initial strike threat that was averted with a tentative deal last week. That deal was later voted down by the teachers. Those teachers had previously given notice to walk off the job September 25th. A last minute deal avoided that walk-off, but there's no longer a ten day notice requirement.
Cahokia teachers propose new deal after rejected contract Original
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. – Cahokia School District teachers are now offering a new contract proposal before possibly walking off the job. It comes after an initial strike threat that was averted with a tentative deal last week. That deal was later voted down by the teachers. Those teachers had previously given notice to walk off the job September 25th. A last minute deal avoided that walk-off, but there’s no longer a ten day notice requirement.
Mysterious text message murder case ends in not guilty verdict Original
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo, – A Washington County jury has found Derek Politte not guilty of killing Christian Hildebrandt. It’s the case involving Hildebrant’s text message plea for help. A jury took just 90 minutes to decide Politte is not guilty. Christians mother, Kimberly Dodd, spoke to us by video call minutes after the decision. She was in tears as she found out the man originally charged with killing her son will now walk free.
THC raised as defense in mysterious text murder case Original
POTOSI, Mo. – A Washington County murder trial that focuses on a mysterious text message is wrapping up. It’s a case Fox Files investigator Chris Hayes has been covering for five years, and he’s in court to monitor the outcome. Thursday was the defense’s turn to fight claims that Derek Politte killed Christian Hildebrandt. The defense also raised THC as a possible factor in Hildebrandt’s death.
THC raised as defense in mysterious text murder case
POTOSI, Mo. - A Washington County murder trial that focuses on a mysterious text message is wrapping up. It’s a case Fox Files investigator Chris Hayes has been covering for five years, and he’s in court to monitor the outcome. Thursday was the defense’s turn to fight claims that Derek Politte killed Christian Hildebrandt. The defense also raised THC as a possible factor in Hildebrandt's death.
Cryptic ‘help me’ message at center of murder retrial Original
POTOSI, Mo. – Walking into the Washington County Courthouse brought a unique set up, with accused killer Derek Politte sitting front and center before a judge and facing the jury. Behind the defendant was a display of evidence for the jury to see. It showed what police investigators found at the scene that day – a knife on the ground, 12 feet from the victim, and the victim’s glasses in between.
Surviving MoDOT worker says state offered $100K to settle Original
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Five years ago, a driver ran into three MoDOT workers at Telegraph Road over Interstate 255, killing James Brooks and a pregnant Kaitlyn Anderson and leaving Michael Brown with disabilities and a brain injury. “There’s not a day that goes by that there’s not pain,” Brown said. He says the Missouri Department of Transportation just offered to pay him out for that lifetime of pain. “For both the work comp injuries as well as the discharge, and they offered $100,000,” he said.
Inside the hearing over whether a 13-year-old should be tried as an adult Original
ST. LOUIS – FOX 2 attended a normally private juvenile court hearing because the result may lead to the case heading to adult court. It involved the March 31st shooting outside of a track meet at a High School in Ferguson. 20 schools were at this meet when there was a shooting in the parking lot. The accused shooter was 13 years old. Another young teen died and a third was injured in the shooting.
Inside the hearing over whether a 13-year-old should be tried as an adult
ST. LOUIS - FOX 2 attended a normally private juvenile court hearing because the result may lead to the case heading to adult court. It involved the March 31st shooting outside of a track meet at a High School in Ferguson. 20 schools were at this meet when there was a shooting in the parking lot. The accused shooter was 13 years old. Another young teen died and a third was injured in the shooting.
Riverview police officers still await paychecks as city’s phone lines disconnected Original
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – FOX 2 has learned Riverview police officers out on furlough, have also reportedly not received their final paycheck, prior to shutdown. Riverview abruptly shut down operations Thursday night September 10th when police received a radio call while out on patrol. Interim police chief Brandin Neil said he hoped it would only last 90 days and that officers would get a full final paycheck since their pay period was just ending.
Riverview police officers still await paychecks as city’s phone lines disconnected
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - FOX 2 has learned Riverview police officers out on furlough, have also reportedly not received their final paycheck, prior to shutdown. Riverview abruptly shut down operations Thursday night September 10th when police received a radio call while out on patrol. Interim police chief Brandin Neil said he hoped it would only last 90 days and that officers would get a full final paycheck since their pay period was just ending.
Missouri substitute teacher loses job over her OnlyFans Original
BALLWIN, Mo. (KTVI) – A Missouri substitute teacher says she lost her job after school officials learned about her OnlyFans content. While she saw that coming, she did not expect to get a warning from the contractor who hired her to refrain from contacting any school, especially when she has a child enrolled in the district. “If teachers were paid better, women wouldn’t have to resort to online content creation,” Sheena Sittner said.
Missouri substitute teacher loses job over her OnlyFans
BALLWIN, Mo. (KTVI) – A Missouri substitute teacher says she lost her job after school officials learned about her OnlyFans content. While she saw that coming, she did not expect to get a warning from the contractor who hired her to refrain from contacting any school, especially when she has a child enrolled in the district. “If teachers were paid better, women wouldn't have to resort to online content creation," Sheena Sittner said.
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