New details emerge in Kaniah Jennings homicide; investigators take 4th suspect into custody

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

HAYTI, Mo., (KBSI) — New details outlined in a probable cause affidavit describe how investigators developed evidence linking multiple suspects to the killing of 18-year-old Kaniah Jennings, who was reported missing on Nov. 4, 2025.

According to the affidavit, the Hayti Police Department requested assistance from the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control after Jennings was reported missing. During the investigation, officers executed several search warrants at a home in the 200 block of North Ash Street in Hayti, where suspects connected to Jennings’ death were identified.

Investigators said surveillance video and interviews confirmed that Antonio Branch, 20, arrived at the residence on the morning of Nov. 4. During a Nov. 20 interview, Branch told detectives he saw Keenan Peoples carrying an item out of the home that investigators believe is linked to evidence later found with Jennings’ body, which was recovered on Nov. 14 in rural Pemiscot County.

Branch also told investigators he was present when police visited the home twice while searching for Jennings. According to the affidavit, Branch admitted that on the morning of Nov. 5—one day after investigators began canvassing the residence—he retrieved a plastic tote sitting near a trash can by the roadway. Inside, he said, were a white T-shirt, a black button-down shirt, additional clothing items, and a piece of metal.

Branch told investigators he placed the tote on top of a fire ring in the front yard, gathered sticks, and watched as Peoples added raked leaves and poured gasoline over the items. Branch admitted he lit the fire by throwing the cigar he was smoking onto the pile. He later told detectives he found it “weird” that Peoples wanted the clothing burned, and that Peoples told him “He could buy new clothes.”

Investigators wrote that Branch initially denied destroying any items connected to the case but later admitted involvement. Authorities now believe the burned items belonged to Jennings and to Peoples.

Three southeast Missouri men charged in Jennings’ disappearance and death are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Nov. 20, in Pemiscot County. The men appeared by video on Nov. 17, but the hearings were postponed because none had legal counsel.

The Pemiscot County prosecuting attorney filed charges on Nov. 15 against:

• Keenan E. Peoples, 34, of Hayti — first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape, tampering with physical evidence
• Donald F. Peoples Jr., 38, of Hayti/Caruthersville — accessory to first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence
• Blake R. Patrick, 18, of East Prairie — accessory to first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape

All three remain in custody. Patrick had already been jailed on unrelated felony theft and vehicle-tampering charges.

Jennings’ autopsy is being conducted through the St. Francois County Coroner’s Office.

A closed-casket funeral service for Jennings will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Portageville High School, 904 King Avenue. Her family announced the arrangements on social media, thanking the community for its support.

The investigation remains active.