– St. Peter male juvenile charged death 14-year-old Salem boy
– 17-year-old St. Peter male formally connected death 14-year-old Salem boy.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

17-Year-Old to Face Charges in Connection with Shooting Death of 14-Year-Old Salem Juvenile

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 has made an announcement that charges will be filed on Wednesday following the tragic shooting incident that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old juvenile from Salem. The suspect, a 17-year-old male from St. Peter, has been apprehended and will be facing charges of first-degree murder (Class M Murder) and aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class One Felony). Due to the suspect’s age, their identity has been withheld.

The victim, identified as Dakota Caige Branch, was an 8th grader attending Franklin Park Middle School in Salem. The shooting occurred within a residence located in the 700 block of North 2200 Street. Tragically, Branch was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fayette County Coroner.

Following the incident, the 17-year-old suspect initially fled the scene but was later located and taken into custody. They are currently being held in the Fayette County Jail in Vandalia, pending further legal proceedings.

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 assumed control of the investigation at the request of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. Assisting in the investigation were sheriff’s deputies, the Fayette County Coroner, ISP Troop 9 Patrol, and ISP Crime Scene Services.

At this time, the State Police have refrained from releasing any additional information regarding the motive behind the shooting death.

For those seeking obituary information for Dakota Caige Branch, it can be found on the obituary page of SouthernIllinoisNow.com.

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1. “St. Peter male juvenile charged in connection with death of Salem boy”
2. “Formal charges filed against 17-year-old male in death of 14-year-old Salem boy”.