Sikeston teen charged with murder as adult in October shooting
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — A Sikeston teenager is being charged as an adult in the shooting death of a 14-year-old that occurred in October.
Thomas Ray Harris Jr., now 14, is charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Court records state Harris was 13 at the time of the shooting.
According to investigators, Harris is accused of firing three rounds into a vehicle during an altercation involving another group of teens. One of the rounds struck and killed a Sikeston Junior High School student.
Newly filed documents also outline a separate incident involving Harris that investigators referenced in the probable-cause statement.
According to the report, on October 10, 2025, at approximately 7:50 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle with expired registration turn onto North Main Street from Hunter Avenue. After initiating a traffic stop, the officer contacted the driver—identified as Harris—who stated he did not have a driver’s license. A records check showed his operator status was suspended.
Harris was placed in wrist restraints and transported to the Department of Public Safety Headquarters. Officers noted he did not provide valid proof of insurance, the license plates on the Nissan Rogue did not belong to the vehicle, and Harris told officers the car had not been registered since he purchased it the previous year. The VIN returned “not on file” with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Harris was released after receiving three citations connected to the traffic stop.
Harris remains held in juvenile detention without bond in the homicide case.
