Dakota Caige Branch, a 14-year-old eighth-grade student at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem, Illinois, was fatally shot on the night of January 20, 2024, in St. Peter, Illinois. The incident occurred at a residence in the 700 block of North 2200 Street, where Branch was pronounced dead at the scene by Fayette County Coroner Dave Harris.
The investigation, handled by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8, revealed that a juvenile suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended. The suspect, a 17-year-old male from St. Peter, is set to be formally charged with first-degree murder (Class M Murder) and aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class One Felony). Due to his age, the suspect's name has not been released.
The shooting took place inside a residence, and the exact motive behind the incident has not been disclosed by the authorities. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, ISP Troop 9 Patrol, and ISP Crime Scene Services.
Following the incident, funeral services for Dakota Branch are pending at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. A GoFundMe account was established by his sister to help cover funeral expenses, with a goal of raising $10,000. As of the initial reports, $4,946 had been raised towards this goal.
The school community at Franklin Park Middle School was deeply affected by the loss, with the school superintendent, Dr. Leslie Foppe, announcing the death and offering support through counselors, social workers, and staff for students, parents, and school staff members.
An autopsy for Dakota Branch was scheduled to be conducted in Springfield on Monday, January 22, 2024, as part of the ongoing investigation.
