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
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.