A Missouri man, Sidney Wilson V, 25, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action after allegedly shooting and killing his estranged wife, Reagan Wilson, 21, following an upsetting message he received on Facebook.
The tragic incident occurred on June 5, 2024, when Sidney Wilson, who was at a convenience store in Fenton, received a message urging him to stay away from his pregnant wife, just hours before the fatal shooting.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
At around 11:37 p.m., police responded to a shooting at a home in the 700 block of North Adams Avenue in Lebanon, Missouri, where they found Reagan Wilson dying from gunshot wounds. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, where they were able to deliver her unborn child, Silas, who initially survived the attack.
Sadly, Silas died on June 13, just eight days after the shooting.
Wilson, who had been separated from Reagan since December 2023, allegedly shot her before fleeing the scene. In the days following the attack, he went to the hospital to check on Silas but did not ask about his wife’s condition or the status of the investigation into the shooting.
Instead, police say Wilson **inquired only about his 2022 Tesla Model 3 and when he could retrieve it from police custody.
The Facebook Message and Motive
According to the probable cause statement, Sidney Wilson’s violent actions were triggered by a Facebook message he received just hours before the shooting. The message reportedly told him to stay away from Reagan and her family, which, police allege, made him upset.
When asked by investigators if the message had upset him, Wilson admitted that it had but stated that he waited a while before responding.
Reagan’s family has confirmed that the couple had been estranged for several months, and Wilson’s relationship with his wife had been strained since she left him in December 2023.
The probable cause statement further revealed that Wilson had mentioned to police that it “would be easier if [name redacted] was dead,” referring to Reagan.
Wilson’s Statements and Gun Ownership
Wilson initially denied owning the gun used in the killing but later admitted that he had sold the weapon to an unknown man while out in public in April 2024. He claimed he had a conversation with the man for a couple of hours before selling him the gun.
However, investigators obtained video footage that contradicted his account. The footage showed him ordering food and leaving the restaurant without speaking to anyone else, contradicting his claim of a lengthy conversation.
The investigation continued with police gathering evidence and Wilson’s statements, which pointed to a pattern of violent thoughts. He reportedly confessed to owning a gun that matched the one used in the murder but later claimed he had sold it.
Family’s Reaction
Reagan’s family has expressed relief that Wilson is finally in custody, calling his arrest “long overdue.” Sarah Ice, Reagan’s mother, shared the emotional impact the crime had on their family, saying, “Our almost-adult kids are struggling and terrified to go outside at night. Their sister was just taken, for no reason.“
Reagan’s stepfather, Jeff Ice, added, “We’re very thankful we can start getting some closure from this point on.” The family’s strength and their desire for justice were echoed by those close to them, as they continue to mourn Reagan and her unborn child’s tragic deaths.
Sidney Wilson is currently being held without bond at the Laclede County Jail and has been scheduled for arraignment. He faces first-degree murder charges for the deaths of Reagan Wilson and her unborn child, Silas.
The community and Reagan’s family are awaiting further legal proceedings and hope for justice in this heartbreaking case.
