Attorney General's News Release

February 15, 2005

State Supreme Court sets March 16 execution date for man who threw St. Louis woman off McKinley Bridge

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court has set a March 16 execution date for Stanley L. Hall, convicted of the January 1994 death of a St. Louis woman after he stole her car at gunpoint and threw her off the McKinley Bridge. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon represented the state against Hall's appeals.

On the evening of Jan. 15, 1994, Hall and an accomplice approached Barbara Jo Wood at the South County Shopping Center in St. Louis. After forcing her at gunpoint to move into the passenger seat of her own vehicle, they drove Wood to the McKinley Bridge and forced her out of the car.

According to witness accounts, a struggle ensued as Wood pleaded for her life. Hall eventually forced her over the guardrail, where she plunged 90 feet to her death. It was more than seven months before portions of her remains were recovered.

Witnesses notified the authorities, and Hall was arrested moments later. After waiving his Miranda rights, Hall identified a photo of Wood as the woman he forced off the bridge. St. Louis County Circuit Court jury found Hall guilty of first degree murder and sentenced him to death on June 21, 1996.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

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