Gunman in Missouri utility worker deaths had criminal record

ST. LOUIS >> A gunman who killed two utility workers in St. Louis before killing himself had a long criminal history, including drug and assault convictions, court records show.

Police on Friday identified the gunman as Clinton Willis, who lived about a mile from where the Laclede Gas employees were shot Thursday. Police identified the slain workers as Alex Boschert, 27, and William Froelich, 52.

Police declined to discuss a possible motive, saying only that the shooting did not appear to be racially motivated. Willis was black and both workers were white.

Willis’ criminal history dates back more than 20 years and includes convictions on drug trafficking, assault and armed criminal action. Court records show he was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 1997.

Police said Willis walked up to the workers in a residential area of western edge of St. Louis and opened fire without saying a word. Both workers were shot in the chest; the gunman was shot in the head, and a gun was found next to him.

The shooting prompted precautions from several utilities. Laclede Gas and the electric company Ameren Missouri took workers off the city’s streets Thursday, and Missouri American Water and the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District removed workers from the immediate area of the shooting.

Workers for all four utilities were back in the field Friday, but working with an abundance of caution.

Laclede Gas spokeswoman Jenny Gobble said as employees reported for work they were given safety instructions, but she declined to elaborate.

Missouri American Water spokesman Brian Russell said meter readers and other workers who typically work alone were given the option of working in pairs. The utility will also consider long-term changes. “Our security team is going to review what happened after we get more details from police,” Russell said.