BREAKING NEWS: Teen charged with murder

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston teen has been charged with murder after a death early Saturday morning on Westview Street.

Brianna M. Branson, 17, of Miner, has been charged with second degree murder, tampering with evidence, leaving the scene and minor in possession of alcohol after events that led to the death Kendra Nichole Gray, 18, of Sikeston.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, a call came in just before 6 a.m. Saturday to what was initially described as a "motor vehicle accident." It was said a woman was struck by a vehicle in the 900 block of Westview Street.

When emergency units arrived on the scene, Gray was found lying dead in front of 908 Westview.

Officers with DPS began investigating but soon had information that the act may have been intentional.

According to a DPS release, an underage party was in progress at the home of 908 Westview that started on Friday evening and continued until the incident took place. Both Branson and Gray were at the party and had previous problems between each other.

Early Saturday an argument and attempted assault broke out inside the home between the two women. The fight continued outside in the front yard to a point when Branson tried to leave in her vehicle.

Based on the facts available to DPS officers, while Branson tried to leave she used her vehicle to scare or intimidate Gray by driving directly at her. Gray, who was standing in the road, was struck shortly after Branson took off in her vehicle. Branson then continued in her truck and left the scene, returning after a short period of time. Police believe this is when Branson disposed of alcohol that she brought to the party.

Scott County Prosecutor Paul Boyd charged Branson on Saturday evening and she is currently in custody at the Scott County Jail where she was given a $150,000 cash only bond.