CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A 27-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly shooting that unfolded Friday afternoon in Cape Girardeau, leaving a young man dead and another injured. Deandra Leeann Patterson of Cape Girardeau now faces multiple felony charges in the wake of the incident, which has shocked the local community.

Authorities responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 12:52 p.m. on May 9, 2025, in the 1500 block of Whitener Street. Officers with the Cape Girardeau Police Department arrived on scene and discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to a local hospital with what authorities described as non-life-threatening injuries.

However, the situation escalated rapidly. Shortly after the initial response, law enforcement was alerted by another area hospital that a second shooting victim had arrived via private vehicle. That victim was identified as 22-year-old Micah Ledbetter, also of Cape Girardeau. Despite efforts by emergency medical staff, Ledbetter succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

As the investigation unfolded, the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad was activated to assist local authorities. Within hours, detectives were able to identify a suspect in the case: Deandra Leeann Patterson. She was taken into custody and formally charged by the Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor’s Office.

Patterson is now facing three serious charges:

• Class A Felony – Murder in the Second Degree
• Felony – Armed Criminal Action
• Class C Felony – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

She is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond. Authorities have not yet released details on the motive behind the shooting or the circumstances that led to the fatal exchange of gunfire.

Micah Ledbetter’s death has left family and friends devastated. Described by loved ones as a kind, spirited young man, his untimely passing has spurred an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media. Community members are calling for peace and accountability as the case continues to develop.

This shooting marks yet another instance of gun violence shaking the Cape Girardeau area, which has seen a troubling rise in violent incidents in recent years. Local officials and community leaders are urging residents to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Major Case Squad continue to encourage witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the shooting to contact them directly or submit tips anonymously. As the legal process moves forward, Patterson will be expected to appear in court to answer to the serious charges against her.

Further updates are anticipated as prosecutors prepare their case and new details come to light. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of another young life cut short by senseless violence.