As police investigate the disappearance and death of Missouri teen Kaniah Jennings, more details are slowly coming to light. The girl went missing on November 3, 2025, and her body was found nearly two weeks later. Around the time of the discovery, three men were arrested in connection with her disappearance and subsequent death. Court documents are now giving insight into what happened to the girl.
The body of 18-year-old Jennings was found in Pemiscot County on November 14, according to a statement by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The investigation into her death is ongoing, and an autopsy has been scheduled through the St. Francois County Coroner’s Office.
On November 15, three men arrested on separate charges unrelated to Jennings’ disappearance were formally charged in connection with her murder, the Hayti Police Department shared.
Kennan Peoples (also reported as Keenan Peoples), 34, has been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, rape, and tampering with physical evidence, the police department’s release shared. Eighteen-year-old Blake Patrick’s charges include accessory to first-degree murder, kidnapping, and rape. And 38-year-old Donald Peoples Jr. has been charged with accessory to murder first-degree and tampering with physical evidence.
The three men were expected to be arraigned on November 17, KFVS reported, but the arraignments had to be rescheduled because none of the men have lawyers. Bond hearings for both Patrick and Donald Peoples Jr. have been scheduled for November 20.
According to a probable cause statement obtained by People, Kaniah Jennings was picked up from her home by Keenan Peoples and Blake Patrick on November 3. Patrick reportedly told police they went back to their home, where both men had sex with Jennings. Peoples allegedly “placed socks in Jennings’ mouth,” the statement read.
Patrick also allegedly told police the girl was tied up in a blanket that was also placed over her head.
A redacted version of the probable cause statement revealed text messages allegedly exchanged between Keenan and Donald Peoples on the evening of November 3. Investigators believe they referred to Jennings, who may have been held at the home that night against her will.
Keenan allegedly texted Donald, telling him to “take your sweet time getting home” that night because he was “playing with a woman tonight,” People reported. Donald replied saying, “Do your thang.” He also asked about “the white boy.” Keenan later replied “It’s a group effort.”
After the disappearance of Jennings, a Facebook group was created to aid in search efforts. “In this group we take pride in keeping Kaniah’s memory alive! She was a senior at Portageville High School! She had so much more to live for! Unfortunately her life ended way too soon by the hands of 3 men!” the group’s description reads.
The girl’s father also created a GoFundMe account to help the family cover funeral expenses after her unexpected death. “Losing her this way has shattered our hearts, and we’re now left trying to give her the dignity, love, and farewell she deserves,” he wrote.
