Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.
The Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad confirmed that Deandra Leeann Patterson, 27, of Cape Girardeau, has been formally charged in the case.
According to the Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor’s Office, Patterson faces multiple felony charges, including:
Class A Felony – Murder in the Second Degree
Felony – Armed Criminal Action
Class C Felony – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Patterson is currently being held in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond.
At approximately 12:52 p.m. on Friday, May 9, officers with the Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
The injury was deemed non-life-threatening, and the victim was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Shortly afterward, police were notified by an area hospital that a second gunshot victim had arrived at the emergency room by private vehicle.
That victim was identified as Micah Ledbetter, 22, of Cape Girardeau.
Despite emergency medical efforts, Ledbetter succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
The scene was secured, and investigators with the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad were activated to lead the investigation.
Through evidence collection and witness interviews, authorities developed Patterson as a suspect and issued formal charges.
The Major Case Squad continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department:
Business Line: 573-339-6621
Anonymous Tip Line: 573-339-6313
Additional updates will be released as the case progresses