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Tragedy in Missouri: Three Charged in the Death of 18-Year-Old Kaniah Jennings

  • Writer: Crime Noir
    Crime Noir
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

18-year-old Kaniah Jennings was tragically found deceased in Pemiscot County, Missouri—just ten days after she was reported missing on November 3, 2025, in Hayti. Her disappearance and death have devastated the community, and multiple suspects have now been charged in connection with the case.

Pictured: Kaniah Jennings (People.com)
Pictured: Kaniah Jennings (People.com)

Three Suspects Charged

Authorities arrested and charged three individuals in relation to Kaniah’s death:

  • Keenan Peoples, 34, of Hayti, Missouri – first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape, and tampering with physical evidence.

  • Donald Peoples Jr., 38, of Caruthersville, Missouri – first-degree accessory to murder and tampering with physical evidence.

  • Blake Patrick, 18, of East Prairie, Missouri – first-degree accessory to murder, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree rape.


All three men are currently being held without bond.


Pictured: Kennan Peoples, Donald Peoples Jr, and Blake Patrick (Source: KFVS.com)


Details Leading to the Arrests

According to investigators, Kaniah was abducted, held against her will, sexually assaulted, and ultimately killed. Police believe she was picked up on November 3rd by Keenan Peoples and Blake Patrick from her home in Portageville, Missouri. The suspects allegedly brought her back to a residence in Hayti, where the assaults occurred.

Patrick reportedly admitted that both he and Keenan had intercourse with Kaniah. Investigators also noted disturbing details, including claims that Keenan placed socks in Kaniah’s mouth and that she was tied up with a blanket placed over her head.


Evidence From Text Messages

Police obtained text messages exchanged between the suspects on November 3, which indicate Kaniah was being held without her consent. Messages from Keenan to Donald allegedly included statements like “take your sweet time getting home” and that he was “playing with a woman.”


Kaniah’s official cause of death has not yet been publicly released.


Supporting the Family

A GoFundMe has been created to assist Kaniah’s family during this heartbreaking time. Donations can be made here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/xy2x9-help-us-honor-kaniah-jennings-memory


Rest in Peace, Kaniah Jennings.

Source:

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