Troopers investigating death of fugitive; 3 others arrested for drugs

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F is investigating the death of a man who was arrested earlier this week.

On Thursday, Troop F was notified that William S. Westfall of Eugene died at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.

Troopers arrested Westfall Wednesday afternoon on Missouri Route BB in Cole County. They stopped the car after identifying Westfall–a known fugitive–as the driver.

During the course of the traffic stop, Williams, as well as three other occupants were found to be in possession of methamphetamine. All four people were taken into custody and transported from the scene.

At U.S. Highway 54 and Goller Road, a trooper saw that Westfall was experiencing physical and mental distress. Westfall was then transported to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.

A preliminary investigation revealed Westfall possibly ingested an unknown amount of methamphetamine prior to having contact with the troopers. The three other passengers were transported to the Cole County jail.

Earlier this week, Westfall was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia. At the time, he was hospitalized for medical treatment.

The Cole County Prosecuting Attorney has also charged the other passengers in the car with the following:

Katherine E. Rice, 24, of Jefferson City, possession of controlled substance.

Michael J. Taylor, 20, of Russellville, possession of controlled substance.

Brandon P. Cavaness, 25, of Jefferson City, possession of controlled substance.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is continuing the investigation.