Mother accused of helping murder suspect flee

SIKESTON, Mo. — A mother accused of attempting to help her son avoid arrest for murder is facing charges, too.

Carissa N. Nichols, 39, of Sikeston was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of hiding her son, Orlando “TJ” Sheron, from police.

Sheron is one of two suspects in Sunday’s fatal shooting of James “Jay” Harris Jr. The SEMO Major Case Squad and Sikeston’s Special Operations Group arrested Sheron, who is charged with armed criminal action and first-degree murder.

“The subsequent investigation of how Sheron came to be at this hotel revealed information that his mother allegedly took her son to the hotel early Monday morning and paid for the room herself,” Capt. Jim McMillen said in a news release.

Nichols, charged on a Scott County warrant with a felony count of hindering prosecution, was arrested about 5 p.m. Tuesday at her home. Bond is set at $10,000 cash only, and she remains in custody awaiting arraignment.

“Helping a suspected murderer escape justice puts others at risk,” McMillen said. “This delay in prosecution also adds to community anxieties and anger over the suspected murderer being on the loose. We take this type of crime very seriously, and we intend to see her prosecuted for her apparent actions.”

Jay Harris died after being shot at 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Washington Street. A second person also was shot but is recovering.

Also facing charges in connection with Harris’ death is 21-year-old Jeterrence V. Harris, also known as Jeterrence Wiggins.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.