Court grants divorce to wife of Dunklin County murder suspect

KENNETT, Mo. -- The wife of a Dunklin County man accused of killing his 3-year-old neighbor has been granted a divorce.

Early in September, following the arrest of Shawn Morgan, 43, of Senath, Mo., a petition for divorce and a request for a temporary restraining order were filed by his wife, also of Senath.

Morgan was arrested and charged in the disappearance and death of 3-year-old BreeAnn Rodriguez, also of Senath, on Aug. 13. He is facing multiple charges which include felony counts of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with physical evidence in connection to the case, child kidnapping and the felony offense of possession of child pornography.

According to reports, Morgan's wife filed a petition to dissolve her marriage to Morgan on Sept. 6. Also filed that day was a proposed parenting plan and a certificate of inability to pay costs, fees and expenses.

On Wednesday Shawn Morgan's wife appeared in person with her attorney, Shannon Wright Morgan. Her husband failed to appear and was found to be in default. A judge granted the divorce and gave Shawn Morgan's wife sole custody of the children. He was ordered to pay $1,433 per month in child support. Child support should begin 30 days following his release from incarceration. The court also restored Shawn Morgan's wife's former last name.

Pertinent address:

Kennett, MO

Senath, MO