FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2023

For More Information Contact:
Justin Jones
Deputy Chief
Police Department
660.785.6945

Arrest made after weekend stabbing

(Kirksville, MO) - Kirksville Police arrested Shawn Dukes, 20, of Kirksville, early Sunday morning in connection to a stabbing incident from a few hours before. Dukes has been charged in Adair County Court with two counts of First-Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

At approximately 1:57 am, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, Kirksville Police responded to the emergency department of Northeast Regional Medical Center in reference to a male with stab and cut wounds. Police arrived and were advised by witnesses that an incident involving the victim occurred in the area of Osteopathy and Mill streets. The victim was identified as a 21-year-old male from Kirksville. Officers were advised the victim and another male were involved in an altercation and the suspect assaulted the victim with a knife. Another male was also cut by the suspect. 

After the assault, the victim was transported by the witnesses to Northeast Regional Medical Center by private vehicle. The first victim sustained life threatening injuries and was later transferred to another hospital. That victim is currently in stable condition. The second victim received a minor cut and was treated and released. 

Officers at another location were able to identify the suspect as Dukes. Dukes was located at his residence and arrested around 5:00 am. 

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information about this incident, or any suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Kirksville Police Department at 660.785.6945, Central Dispatch at 660.665.5621, Adair County Sheriff’s Office at 660.665.4600, anonymously at 660.627.BUST (2878), or email police@kirksvillecity.com.

Kirksville Police report # 23-002771KPD.

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