Crime
Clara Blaxton found dead inside truck in Crystal City, suspect Jarrett Cousins shot by police
A tragic and chaotic series of events unfolded late Sunday morning in Crystal City, Missouri, culminating in the discovery of a woman dead inside a pickup truck and the shooting of a man by police after he pointed weapons at officers.
The incident began around 11 a.m. when Festus police responded to reports of gunfire near a White Castle restaurant on Highway A near Interstate 55, according to Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel. Officers quickly identified a Dodge Ram pickup truck, believed to be connected to the shooting, and pursued it as it traveled east toward Crystal City.
Officers from Festus and Crystal City attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Jarrett Cousins, continued south on South Truman Parkway.
The truck eventually struck a concrete median, spinning out and coming to a stop.
Crystal City Police Chief Chad Helms reported that Cousins exited the vehicle wearing body armor and wielding multiple firearms.
Eyewitnesses described the tense moments that followed, with one witness noting that Cousins initially pointed two pistols at his head before firing them without injuring himself.
“He was yelling and acting erratic,” the witness said, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns.
Officers repeatedly ordered Cousins to drop his weapons. Cell phone footage from the witness captured Cousins pointing a firearm in the direction of officers, prompting them to open fire.
Cousins collapsed to the ground but got up again, pointing a gun at officers a second time. Police fired additional shots, eventually subduing him.
“It’s my understanding that the suspect fired shots during this encounter, and our officers returned fire,” Helms said. Despite the chaotic scene, no officers were injured.
Inside the truck, police found the body of a woman identified as Clara Blaxton. Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak confirmed her death was not caused by gunfire from officers. The exact cause of her death remains under investigation.
Authorities also revealed that the Dodge Ram had Arkansas license plates, suggesting Cousins and Blaxton had traveled to Missouri earlier that day.
Witnesses reported the truck’s tires appeared blown out, and the vehicle was stationary in the middle of the roadway. Officers approached Cousins cautiously, using ballistic shields while commanding him to move away from his weapons.
Cell phone video captured officers telling Cousins, “Roll away from the gun, and we will help you.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Marshak later confirmed Cousins sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital. His current condition is unknown.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Businesses near the scene remained open, but traffic was diverted as authorities worked to gather evidence.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, cell phone footage, or surveillance video to assist the investigation by emailing crimetips@jeffcomo.org.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the tragic events that led to Blaxton’s death and the subsequent confrontation.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.