Little Rock, ARK — Authorities are investigating the death of 45-year-old Clara Braxton of Independence County, Arkansas, following a shooting incident that led to a violent confrontation in Festus, Missouri, on Tuesday morning.
According to Arkansas State Police (ASP), officers responded to a report of a shooting at a White Castle restaurant in Festus around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered that the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Jarrett W. Cousins of Bradford, Arkansas, had fled the scene in a truck.
Police later pursued the vehicle, but the chase ended when the truck struck a concrete median in Crystal City, Missouri. Cousins, who was wearing body armor and armed with multiple firearms, exited the vehicle and began firing at officers. In response, police returned fire, striking Cousins, who was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital. As of now, he remains in critical but stable condition.
Upon searching the truck, authorities discovered Braxton’s body in the front seat. ASP officials stated that they believe Braxton’s death occurred in Arkansas, although the precise circumstances of her killing are still under investigation. Missouri authorities have requested that the ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division handle the inquiry into Braxton’s death.
The incident is being further investigated by the Jefferson County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, which is looking into the officer-involved shooting that occurred when Cousins fired at police.
The tragic events have left both states’ law enforcement agencies working together as they piece together the details of what transpired. As of now, no motive has been publicly disclosed for the shooting at the White Castle or the subsequent violence involving Cousins.
Cousins, who remains under medical care, faces multiple charges in connection with the shooting and subsequent events, though formal charges have not yet been filed.
The investigation into the death of Clara Braxton and the broader circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing, with authorities asking for anyone with information to come forward.
This case highlights the continued collaboration between Arkansas and Missouri law enforcement as they work to understand the events leading to the tragic death of a woman and the violent confrontation that followed.