Crime
22-year-old Micah Ledbetter killed in Cape Girardeau shooting
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Friday afternoon, May 9, in the vicinity of Whitener and Louisiana Streets.
According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, two individuals were injured in the incident. One victim arrived at a local hospital by private vehicle, while the other was transported from the scene by ambulance.
The victim transported by ambulance, identified as 22-year-old Micah Ledbetter of Cape Girardeau, succumbed to her injuries while being treated in the emergency room.
A second individual suffered what authorities described as a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at an area hospital.
In response to the incident, the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad has been activated to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Police have not released any information regarding a suspect or motive at this time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at the following:
- Business Line: 573-339-6621
- Anonymous Tip Line: 573-339-6313
The investigation remains active and further details will be released as they become available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.