Dakota Caige Branch was a 14-year-old eighth-grade student at Franklin Park Middle School who was fatally shot on the night of January 20, 2024, inside a residence in the 700 block of North 2200 Street in St. Peter, Illinois. Fayette County Coroner Dave Harris pronounced Branch dead at the scene. An autopsy was scheduled for January 22, 2024, in Springfield as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 led the investigation with assistance from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, ISP Troop 9 Patrol, and ISP Crime Scene Services. A 17-year-old male juvenile from St. Peter fled the scene but was later apprehended; he is expected to be formally charged with first-degree murder (Class M Murder) and aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class One Felony). The motive has not been disclosed. Funeral arrangements were pending at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem and a GoFundMe started by Branch’s sister had raised $4,946 toward a $10,000 goal.

Did anyone in the community see or hear anything that night or have information about Dakota’s last movements?