Missouri Teen Tortured and Murdered After Men Text About “Playing With a Woman,” Police Reveal
PEMISCOT COUNTY, MISSOURI — A horrific murder case is unfolding in Missouri after investigators say three men kidnapped, restrained, sexually assaulted, and murdered 18-year-old Kaniah Jennings, with one suspect texting another about “playing with a woman” before the attack. Detectives uncovered the messages and chilling eyewitness accounts in newly released court documents.
Disturbing Text Messages Exchanged Before the Attack
Authorities say the crime began on November 3 when Kennan Peoples, Donald Peoples Jr., and Blake Patrick allegedly coordinated the kidnapping and assault of Kaniah Jennings.
According to a probable cause statement, Kennan Peoples texted Donald saying:
“Playing with a woman tonight,”
referring to Jennings, whom he and Patrick had already kidnapped from her home in Portageville.
Police say the suspects took Jennings to a home shared by Kennan and Donald, where the assault continued. Patrick later gave a detailed account of the brutality.
Court documents note:
“Patrick described both he and Kennan Peoples as having sex with Jennings while Kennan placed socks inside her mouth.”
Jennings was then tied up with a blanket placed over her head.
Victim Transported While Bound and Still Alive
Investigators say Jennings was still alive when Kennan and Patrick transported her in a Nissan Frontier to get gas. Kennan allegedly pumped fuel purchased using Jennings’ own Cash App, accessed through her phone.
After dropping her cellphone near her home to confuse investigators, they returned to the house with Jennings still bound, gagged, and covered.
Police say:
“Kennan took Jennings to a bedroom and raped her. Patrick described her as alive but in ‘bad shape.’”
Patrick told investigators he fled the home in fear, stealing the Frontier and driving straight to Arkansas.
Jennings Found Dead in Rural Missouri; Suspects Accused of Moving Her Body
Authorities say Jennings died between the night of Nov. 3 and early morning of Nov. 4, and that Kennan and Donald remained in the home with her body overnight.
The following day, police say the men transported her remains to a remote area in rural Pemiscot County, where Jennings’ body was found on Friday.
Investigators tracked the suspects using surveillance video, digital evidence, and multiple eyewitness leads, allowing authorities to arrest all three over the weekend.
Three Men Facing Multiple Felonies, Including First-Degree Murder
Prosecutors filed a long list of charges:
- Kennan Peoples — first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape, tampering with evidence
- Donald Peoples Jr. — first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence
- Blake Patrick — first-degree accessory to murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape
All three men are scheduled for arraignment Monday, with investigators calling the case one of the most disturbing crimes the county has ever seen.
As Missouri prepares for a high-profile court battle, community members are encouraged to follow updates and remain aware of law enforcement alerts. For more breaking crime stories, investigations, and regional public-safety news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.