Clara Braxton Obituary, Death; – Arkansas State Police are conducting an investigation into the death of a woman from Arkansas, whose body was discovered following an officer-involved shooting incident in Missouri.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri was requested to assist after investigators looking into the shooting that occurred on Sunday indicated that the deceased, identified as Clara Braxton, 45, from Independence County, Arkansas, was believed to have been killed in Arkansas.
Authorities in Festus responded to reports of an active shooter at a restaurant located in the St. Louis suburb. The suspect fled the scene in a Dodge Ram truck, prompting officers from Festus and nearby Crystal City to attempt to intercept the vehicle. The truck ultimately collided with a concrete median, coming to a stop in front of a shopping center.
The driver, identified as Jarrett W. Cousins, 40, from Bradford, Arkansas, exited the vehicle wearing body armor and armed with several firearms, according to police reports. Cousins discharged his weapons, prompting officers to return fire, resulting in him being struck. He was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he is reported to be in critical but stable condition. No officers sustained injuries during the incident.
In the meantime, officers discovered Braxton’s body in the front passenger seat of Cousins’ truck. Her remains have been sent to the Missouri Crime Lab for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
The sheriff’s office has stated that Cousins has been arrested and is facing charges of first-degree assault or attempted serious physical injury against a special victim, as well as one count of armed criminal action. He is currently being held without bond.
Arkansas State Police have indicated that the investigation into Braxton’s death is ongoing. Upon its conclusion, the findings will be submitted to the prosecutor in Independence County to assess potential charges.
