The Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the death of 45-year-old Clara Braxton of Independence County. ASP says the victim’s body was found on December 8 following an officer-involved shooting in Festus, Missouri.

ASP says the Festus Police Department responded to reports of an active shooter at a White Castle in the area around 11 a.m. The suspect, 40-year-old Jarrett W. Cousins, fled the scene in a Dodge Ram, according to police.

Officers from Festus and Crystal City tried to stop the vehicle before it crashed into a concrete median and stopped in front of a Crystal City shopping center on Truman Boulevard.

Authorities say Cousins exited the vehicle wearing body armor and armed with multiple firearms. When the suspect discharged his weapons, officers returned fire and struck the suspect. Cousins was taken to a Missouri hospital in critical but stable condition.

ASP says officers found Braxton deceased in the front passenger seat of Cousins’ vehicle. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting. In that case, Cousins has been charged with one count of First-Degree Assault or Attempt – Serious Physical Injury or Special Victim and one count of Armed Criminal Action.

Braxton’s body was transported to the Missouri Crime Lab. JCSO requested assistance from ASP’s CID to investigate the death of Braxton which is believed to have occurred in Arkansas. No other details are available at this time.