KENNETT, Mo. – Tyrese Tate, 20, and Darrion Carter, 26, both of Charleston, face charges stemming from last month’s shooting at the American Legion Building in Kennett, which left one dead and four others injured.
Dunklin County Prosecutor Nicholas Jain charged both with murder in the second degree, armed criminal action, and four counts of unlawful use of a weapon on Friday, according to a press release from Jain’s office. Carter faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Carter was arrested Monday in Charleston and was arraigned Tuesday in Kennett. Tate was arrested Tuesday, also in Charleston, and will be arraigned Thursday.
On Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, troopers responded to a shooting at the American Legion Building in Kennett that happened during a large party. The troopers located Jawon Betts inside. Betts had been shot, and later died of his injuries. Four other victims were also shot during the incident. Witnesses told investigators that Tate and Carter began shooting during a fight. Tate admitted to witnesses that he shot Betts, and Carter admitted he shot another one of the victims, according to officials. Three of the victims were bystanders.
Warrants were issued for Tate and Carter’s arrest ordering them to be detained without bond by the Honorable John Spielman. This investigation is being conducted by the Dunklin County Major Case Squad, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Kennett Police Department, and the Malden Police Department.