DE SOTO, Mo. — New details provided to VOTP News STL by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office describe what investigators say happened before a woman was fatally shot outside a De Soto home on October 10.
Jesse R. Evans, 67, of De Soto, is accused of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the shooting in the 3800 block of Sunrise School Road. Sheriff Dave Marshak announced the charges Sunday, October 11.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a witness took the woman to the home to retrieve personal belongings. The witness reported hearing the woman scream inside the residence before she ran through the front door, with Evans following while holding a handgun.
In a probable cause statement dated October 11 and provided to our newsroom Monday morning, the witness told investigators that the woman turned toward Evans and pleaded with him to stop as she tried to get away. The witness said Evans then pointed the firearm at her and shot her. These are allegations recorded in the investigative statement, not findings by a court.
The witness helped the woman into a vehicle and drove her to the 3200 block of State Road V. Deputies encountered emergency personnel attempting lifesaving measures there. She was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to investigators.
Deputies located Evans at the Sunrise School Road residence and detained him without incident. Investigators said a search warrant led to the recovery of evidence consistent with a shooting.
The probable cause statement also says Evans told investigators during a custodial interview that he had been in an altercation with the woman, pointed a gun at her and discharged it at her. The Sheriff’s Office previously said Evans acknowledged firing at the woman.
Authorities said Evans was being held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail when the October 11 release was issued. The woman’s name was not included in the materials provided to the newsroom.
Sheriff’s Office provides probable cause statement
In response to a VOTP News STL records inquiry, Grant Bissell, public safety information coordinator for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, provided the October 11 news release, a booking photograph and the probable cause statement on October 12. Our newsroom has reviewed the statement.
The documents support additional reporting on investigators’ allegations. They do not, by themselves, establish a court case number or independently confirm the status of a filed court case. We will report any subsequent court developments when verified.
Evans is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Featured photograph: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s Office news release
The October 11, 2026, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office news release is reproduced below. It is separate from the probable cause statement provided to the newsroom.
View the full-size Sheriff’s Office news release
Sources: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office news release dated October 11, 2026; October 11 probable cause statement provided by Grant Bissell to VOTP News STL on October 12, 2026.
