Kennett man charged in April 27 murder

KENNETT, Mo. -- Charges have been filed against Cleveland Pulliam, 68, of Kennett, for the murder of Jacqueline Kaye Farmer, 47, of Kennett, Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff announced Friday.

Pulliam is being charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

According to police chief Barry Tate with the Kennett Police Department, Farmer was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy concluded that her death was a result of stab wounds and blunt-force trauma.

"I want to thank the community for their support and assistance in this investigation, but a special thank you to the family of Mrs. Farmer, for their patience during this investigation," Tate said.

On April 27, Kennett police were called to the scene of an apparent homicide at 226 W. Ninth St., where Farmer's body was found by a family member.

Sokoloff praised the work of the Dunklin County Major Case Squad, the Kennett Police Department, Dunklin County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control for their efforts during the investigation of the murder.

"These officers did a phenomenal job, working tirelessly to bring this case to a point where charges could be filed," Sokoloff said.

A warrant was issued for Pulliam by Associate Circuit Judge John Spielman, who ordered Pulliam be held without bond.