Arkansas State Police Investigating Woman’s Death After Missouri Shooting The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is probing the death of Clara Blaxton, 45, from Independence County, Arkansas. Her body was found following an officer-involved shooting in Festus, Missouri, on December 8, 2024. Festus Police responded to an active shooter alert at a White Castle restaurant around 11 a.m. that day.
The suspect, Jarrett W. Cousins, 40, from Bradford, Ark., escaped in a Dodge Ram, leading to a chase officers pursued Cousins, and attempted to stop the Ram, which continued south on Truman Boulevard, struck a concrete median and spun around before stopping in front of the Crystal City Center plaza.. Cousins was wearing body armor and armed when he confronted police, who then exchanged gunfire. He was shot by officers, hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while Braxton was found dead in his truck’s passenger seat. No officers sustained injuries during the incident.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is handling the officer-involved shooting, charging Cousins with serious assault and armed criminal action.
Braxton’s body was analyzed at the Missouri Crime Lab. A separate investigation revealed a potential homicide connection, with the body of Clara B. Blaxton, 45, found in Cousins’ vehicle. Arkansas State Police are leading the homicide investigation, collaborating with Missouri law enforcement agencies.
For details on the shooting investigation in Missouri, contact the JCSO Public Information Office at (636) 797-5053.
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