Suspect wanted, woman found shot to death at rest area near Marston, MO

NEW MADRID COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - An investigation is underway after a woman found shot to death at a rest area near Marston, Missouri.

Officers found 50-year-old Monica Keenlance of Morton, Illinois dead beside her vehicle from a gunshot wound.

A male was seen fleeing the scene in a red SUV traveling south on Interstate 55 from the rest area.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the shooting happened around noon on Wednesday, October 31.

The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office was also on scene. According to the sheriff, they learned about the shooting when a witness called.

Marston City Leader Katty Arnold said she was horrified when she heard of the news and is concern that the suspect has not been caught.

“There is no telling where he is," said Arnold. "He could be right here under our nose or he could be 100 miles away.And there is not that much to go on. They had a witness but there are a lot of red SUV’s out there and I’m sad for that lady. It’s terrible and I’m thankful she didn’t have any children with her. It always could have been worse.”

Truck Driver Lester Jarman says he has used rest areas in numerous states around the country. He thinks more should be done to keep them safe.

“What happened is sad and I think it should raise concern," Jarman said. "I think they should make all of these rest areas well lit. If they’ve got the money to throw at it put cameras in. That way we can cut the amount of these happenings down.”

The rest stop reopened at 5:30 p.m. on October 31.

Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, New Madrid City Police Department, Portageville Police Department, Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police assisted New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office.

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