CAPE GIRARDEAU –The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces criminal charges against 34-year-old Keenan E. Peoples of Hayti, Mo., 38-year-old Donald F. Peoples Jr. of Caruthersville, Mo., and 19-year-old Blake R. Patrick of East Prairie, Mo. The Pemiscot County charges were filed after the three men were directly connected to the Kaniah P. Jennings missing person case.
Jennings was last seen on the evening of November 3, 2025, in Hayti, Mo.
On November 4, 2025, the Hayti Police Department requested DDCC take over the investigation.
Investigators followed up on numerous leads in the investigation, which led to the discovery of Jennings body in rural Pemiscot County, Mo.
The Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office was instrumental in assisting the Patrol with locating/recovering Jennings’ body. Investigators obtained evidence connecting Blake Patrick, Keenan Peoples, and Donald Peoples to the disappearance and death of Jennings. An autopsy has been scheduled through the St. Francois County Coroner’s Office.
Law enforcement personnel had previously arrested Keenan and Donald Peoples for Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution. The Pemiscot County charges stemmed from allegations that Keenan Peoples tampered with evidence regarding stolen property, and Donald Peoples tampered with evidence regarding the disappearance of Jennings. Keenan and Donald Peoples have since remained in custody. Blake Patrick has also remained in custody for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle-1st Degree, Felony Stealing-750.00 or more, and two counts of Theft of a Firearm.
On November 15, 2025, the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Keenan Peoples with one count each: Murder-1st Degree, Kidnapping-1st Degree, Rape-1st Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Donald Peoples was charged with one count each: Accessory to Murder-1st Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Blake Patrick was charged with one count each: Accessory to Murder-1st Degree, Kidnapping-1st Degree, and Rape-1st Degree.
Keenan Peoples and Blake Patrick are currently being held at the Pemiscot County Jail.
Donald Peoples is being held at the Dunklin County Jail. All three subjects are being held without bond.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to thank the Arkansas State Police, Pemiscot and New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office (AR), and the Hayti and Caruthersville Police Department’s for their assistance in the investigation.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact Troop E Headquarters at 573-840-9500.
The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction, whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
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