Arkansas Man Charged with Murder After Festus Shootout

Independence Co., Mo. (KFMO) - An Arkansas man arrested in Missouri following a shootout with law enforcement is now facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a woman from Independence County, Arkansas.

According to court records, 40-year-old Jarrett W. Cousins of Bradford, Arkansas, is being held on a $1 million bond. He was taken into custody on December 8, 2024 after an alleged exchange of gunfire with police in Festus. Following his arrest, police discovered the body of 45-year-old Clara Blaxton in the passenger seat of Cousins' truck. Authorities say Blaxton had been dead for 24 to 48 hours at the time of the incident. An affidavit filed by a special agent with the Arkansas State Police indicates Cousins admitted to killing Blaxton on a relative’s property in Floral, Arkansas, located in Independence County.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities in both Arkansas and Missouri working together on the case.