Ryan Dicus for Pemiscot County Prosecutor

07/04/2026

CARUTHERSVILLE Mo. – A Caruthersville man has been convicted of first-degree murder and
armed criminal action following a jury trial in Pemiscot County.
Pemiscot County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Dicus announced that the verdict
followed a four-day jury trial that began Monday, June 29, 2026. Wendell A. Prather, 33, of
Caruthersville, was represented by Charles Barberio.
The conviction stems from a fatal shooting that occurred on July 19, 2018, on Walker Street in
Caruthersville.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting and found Keniqua Jones, 26, of Caruthersville,
unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The next afternoon, officers located Prather wading in the Mississippi River. According to
investigators, Prather asked officers, "How did you find me?" and stated that he had been in the
river since the previous night. After receiving medical treatment at a local hospital, Prather
admitted to shooting Jones in the back of the head. Investigators also determined that Prather
possessed details about the homicide that had not been publicly released.
After deliberations, the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts on July 2, 2026.
The Honorable Josh Underwood presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 19,
2026. Under Missouri law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life
imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Armed criminal action carries a minimum
sentence of three years' imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Caruthersville Police Department, the Pemiscot County
Sheriff's Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
"This was my first trial since moving over to Pemiscot County," Dicus said. "It is my honor to
help ensure justice for the victim and her family. Our law enforcement officers involved in this
case have once again demonstrated a high level of skill and professionalism, and they deserve
tremendous credit for their work.

07/03/2026

Having finished my jury trial this week, I’m back on Facebook. More details of that case will be released tomorrow.

In the meantime, I found out my prior conviction of Johnny Phillips was upheld at the Southern District Court of Appeals. Even in accusing individuals of criminal acts, I do my absolute best to ensure their Constitutional Rights are upheld!

A man was recently convicted and sentenced for a 2017 shooting in southeast Missouri.

06/07/2026

It’s a great turn out at Lincoln Day, and I’ll share more on that tomorrow. Today is for another great group of people… June 6, 1944. The beaches at Normandy.

04/02/2026

I am now the only candidate on the ballot for Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney. The focus remains on protecting victims, and bringing accountability to criminals.

I want to thank Steve Horton for the professionalism and integrity he has shown throughout this process. I respect his decision to prioritize his family. Removing himself from the ballot had to be a difficult decision. I look forward to working with him. We will bring a safer future to Pemiscot County!

I am honored by the trust placed in me and I am dedicated to serving the people of Pemiscot County with integrity, transparency, and respect.

Ryan Dicus

03/20/2026

Most people believe prisons are made to protect society from criminals.

Prisons are made to protect criminals from Chuck Norris.

RIP Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris. 1940-2026

03/19/2026

Drug addiction continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing our communities in this corner of Missouri.

A huge thank you to the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly investigating these cases to make these arrests happen.

I’m proud to have played my part by reviewing the cases, signing the warrants, and helping hold these drug dealers accountable for the harm they’ve caused in our towns and to our families.

Well done, team. This is real progress.

As always, the individuals herein are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty in a court of law.

Several people are behind bars after a coordinated operation by Southwest Missouri law enforcement agencies.

03/17/2026

Who needs a yard sign? It’s time for a change.

TOUGH. – Strength in the face of violence.

TESTED. – Experience forged through decades of service and countless trials.

FAIR. – Guided by integrity, every case receives the justice it deserves.

03/10/2026

Congratulations to Chelsea Thompson for winning the $100 Chubby's BBQ gift card!

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to everyone who keeps supporting this campaign! With your continued support, we are going to bring real, meaningful change to Pemiscot County!!

03/04/2026

Only 31 more people before the drawing! Hit those 3 little dots and invite your friends!!

We are quickly approaching 1,000 followers on this page! 🎉

To celebrate, we are giving away a $100 voucher to Chubby’s BBQ!!🎁🎁

The winner will be drawn once we hit 1,000 followers!

Like, share, and comment to enter!