Kennett death ruled a homicide

KENNETT, Mo. -- Dunklin County Coroner Jack Adkins confirmed that the autopsy he performed on Jacqueline Harrell Farmer, 47, of Kennett revealed she died as a result of a homicide.

Adkins said he was unable to release the full details relating to the cause of death until he received permission from the Kennett Police Department.

Kennett police, along with the Dunklin County Major Case Squad, the Bootheel Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control are in the midst of an investigation surrounding the death of Farmer, who was reported by family members as unresponsive at 7:30 a.m. April 23.

According to a statement released by Kennett Police Assistant Chief Steve Williams, Kennett Police were called to the residence of 26 W. Ninth St. in Kennett, where Farmer's lifeless body laid in the front room of the home.

It is believed by officers that Farmer lived alone at the residence.

Farmer's body was found inside the home on Sunday by family members and investigators have yet to say how long it appears she had been there.

Officers are also remaining tight lipped in regard to any possible lead or suspects.

Farmer is the daughter of Robert and Margaret Harrell and was a mother herself. Before her untimely death, Farmer served as Intake Coordinator for the Kennett Housing Authority office, where she was known to co-workers and visitors as "Jackie, the sweet lady at the window."