Crime
Deandra Patterson arrested in Deadly Shooting of 22-Year-Old Micah Ledbetter in Cape Girardeau
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.
The Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad confirmed that Deandra Leeann Patterson, 27, of Cape Girardeau, has been formally charged in the case.
According to the Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor’s Office, Patterson faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Class A Felony – Murder in the Second Degree
- Felony – Armed Criminal Action
- Class C Felony – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Patterson is currently being held in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond.
At approximately 12:52 p.m. on Friday, May 9, officers with the Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
The injury was deemed non-life-threatening, and the victim was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Shortly afterward, police were notified by an area hospital that a second gunshot victim had arrived at the emergency room by private vehicle.
That victim was identified as Micah Ledbetter, 22, of Cape Girardeau.
Despite emergency medical efforts, Ledbetter succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
The scene was secured, and investigators with the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad were activated to lead the investigation.
Through evidence collection and witness interviews, authorities developed Patterson as a suspect and issued formal charges.
The Major Case Squad continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department:
- Business Line: 573-339-6621
- Anonymous Tip Line: 573-339-6313
Additional updates will be released as the case progresses.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”