ASP: Man charged with murder in Independence County woman’s death

BRADFORD, Ark. (KAIT) – A Bradford man is charged with first-degree murder in the December 2024 death of an Independence County woman.

According to an Arkansas State Police news release, 40-year-old Jared W. Cousins is accused of killing 45-year-old Clara Blaxton after her body was found in Cousins’ vehicle following a shootout with law enforcement in Festus, Missouri.

ASP said on Dec. 8, 2024, around 11 a.m., police responded to reports of an active shooter, later identified as Cousins, at a White Castle restaurant.

After locating Cousins, police attempted to pull him over, but he fled the scene.

Once police caught up to him, Cousins’ got out of his vehicle and opened fire, according to the Crystal City Police Department.

Police returned fire and struck Cousins.

He was taken into custody and transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Officers searched his vehicle and found Blaxton on the passenger side dead.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from ASP Criminal Investigation Division to investigate her death.

ASP CID special agents determined that Cousins killed Blaxton.

A Missouri medical examiner reported that Blaxton had been dead for 24 to 48 hours prior to the shooting.

Cousins’ bond is set at $1M and is in custody at Ouachita River Correctional Unit in Malvern.

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