Jefferson County Murder Case: 46-Year-Old Woman Stabbed and Shot, Suspect Dead

 The Fenton and Festus communities are reeling after the deaths of Marijon Ludwig, 46, and her boyfriend, 69-year-old Billy Moman, in a tragic murder-suicide.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, deputies discovered Ludwig’s body around 5 p.m. on Feb. 14 inside a home on the 2600 block of Winding Valley Drive in Fenton, where she had been stabbed and shot. Investigators identified Moman as the suspect.

Moman, who had a prior murder conviction in Minnesota, fled to a Holiday Inn Express in Festus, prompting a police standoff. SWAT teams and negotiators evacuated hotel guests to a nearby school as authorities attempted to resolve the situation. Around 7 a.m. Feb. 15, a gunshot was heard, and a drone later confirmed Moman had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sheriff Dave Marshak confirmed that Moman both shot and stabbed Ludwig, though the motive remains under investigation. Authorities continue to review the circumstances leading up to the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

The tragic events have left the Fenton and Festus communities grieving, as neighbors, friends, and family mourn Ludwig’s life and the devastating loss caused by this violent act. Local leaders are encouraging residents to support one another and seek counseling or crisis resources if needed.