Three southeast Missouri men charged in disappearance, death of Kaniah P. Jennings
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announced charges against three Southeast Missouri men in connection with the disappearance and death of 18-year-old Kaniah P. Jennings.
Keenan E. Peoples, 34, of Hayti; Donald F. Peoples Jr., 38, of Caruthersville; and Blake R. Patrick, 18, of East Prairie, have been charged in Pemiscot County after investigators linked them to the case.
Jennings was last seen the evening of Nov. 3 in Hayti. On Nov. 4, the Hayti Police Department requested assistance from the Highway Patrol, which took over the investigation. According to investigators, numerous leads ultimately led to the discovery of Jennings’ body in rural Pemiscot County. The Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office assisted with locating and recovering her remains.
Investigators said evidence connects Patrick and Keenan and Donald Peoples to Jennings’ disappearance and death. An autopsy is scheduled through the St. Francois County Coroner’s Office.
Keenan and Donald Peoples were previously arrested on allegations of tampering with physical evidence. Keenan was accused of tampering with evidence involving stolen property, while Donald was accused of tampering with evidence related to Jennings’ disappearance. Both remained in custody.
Patrick also remained in custody on unrelated charges, including tampering with a motor vehicle, felony stealing of $750 or more and two counts of theft of a firearm.
On Nov. 15, the Pemiscot County prosecuting attorney formally charged:
Keenan Peoples with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape and tampering with physical evidence.
Donald Peoples with accessory to first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.
Blake Patrick with accessory to first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree rape.
Keenan Peoples and Patrick are being held at the Pemiscot County Jail. Donald Peoples is being held at the Dunklin County Jail. All three are being held without bond.
The Highway Patrol thanked multiple agencies for their assistance, including the Arkansas State Police; Pemiscot, New Madrid and Poinsett County (Ark.) sheriff’s offices; and the Hayti and Caruthersville police departments.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Troop E Headquarters at 573-840-9500.
The Patrol notes that all charges are accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Related links: Body of missing Portageville teen Kaniah Jennings found in rural Pemiscot County – KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News
