De Soto man charged with murder after woman fatally shot in Jefferson County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A 67-year-old De Soto man is facing murder charges after authorities say he shot and killed a woman Saturday evening in Jefferson County.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jesse R. Evans, 67, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the Oct. 10 shooting in the 3800 block of Sunrise School Road in De Soto.

Investigators say a witness accompanied the victim to a home to retrieve her personal belongings.

While inside the home, the witness reportedly heard the woman scream before she ran outside. Authorities say Evans followed her with a handgun and allegedly shot her.

The witness helped the victim into a vehicle and drove her to the 3200 block of State Road V, where emergency crews were attempting lifesaving measures when deputies arrived.

The woman was transported to an area hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home on Sunrise School Road and discovered evidence consistent with a shooting.

Deputies later located Evans at the residence and took him into custody without incident.

According to the sheriff’s office, Evans admitted during an interview that he fired a gun at the victim.

Evans was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where he is being held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The charges are accusations, and Evans is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.