10 days missing: 3 arrested as search intensifies for Portageville teen Kaniah Jennings
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The search for 18-year-old Portageville student Kaniah Jennings continues as the Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to lead the investigation into her disappearance.
Jennings was reported missing on Nov. 3. Since then, three men have been arrested on charges connected to evidence tampering and a stolen vehicle, though none has been charged directly in her disappearance.
Person of Interest Arrested in Arkansas
Blake Patrick, 18, of East Prairie, remains a person of interest in the case, he was arrested in Harrisburg, Arkansas, on Nov. 4 after he was found in possession of a stolen 2017 Nissan Frontier belonging to a Hayti man. Multiple items were recovered from the truck, but two firearms remain missing.
Patrick is charged with tampering with a stolen vehicle and felony stealing. He appeared in Pemiscot County court by video on Nov. 13, waived formal arraignment and entered a not-guilty plea. A bond hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20. He is being held in the Pemiscot County Jail without bond.
Evidence Tampering Allegations
Two brothers — Donald Peoples Jr., 38, and Keenan Peoples, 34 — were also arrested as part of the investigation.
According to a probable cause statement, investigators believe Donald Peoples Jr. deleted text messages related to the missing teen from his phone after previously telling investigators no one else had access to the device. He later changed his account multiple times. He is charged with tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution and is being held in the Dunklin County Jail without bond.
Investigators say Keenan Peoples destroyed and burned a DVR security system in an attempt to erase video evidence connected to the stolen vehicle. He is also charged with tampering with physical evidence. A counsel status hearing is set for Nov. 17. He is being held in the Pemiscot County Jail without bond.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators believe the deleted messages and destroyed DVR impaired the ongoing felony investigation, which includes the possibility that Jennings was kidnapped and held against her will on the night of Nov. 3.
Officials say Patrick, the Peoples brothers, and several locations across Dunklin and Pemiscot counties remain under review as the search continues.
Anyone with information on Jennings’ disappearance is urged to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500.
Related links: Suspect linked to missing teen case accused of stealing truck and weapons in Hayti – KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News
