Second suspect sought in Malden shooting that injured girl

MALDEN, Mo. — Malden police have released the name of a second suspect in a March 25 shooting that injured a young girl.

Police are searching for Cassius Benford, 18, of Malden.

Officers began searching for Benford and Jarvis Wofford of Cape Girardeau after they received a 911 call advising police an 8-year-old girl had been caught in the crossfire.

Several rounds of bullets struck a motor vehicle in which the little girl and two of her siblings were occupants.

The girl received injuries from fragmented glass after the vehicle’s windows were shattered by the gunfire. She was airlifted to Memphis, Tennessee, where she was treated for the injuries.

She is expected to make a full recovery.

Wofford was arrested last week. Benford and Wofford are charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Benford’s bond is set at $175,000 cash.

Anyone with information about Benford is asked to contact local authorities.

Pertinent address:

Malden, Mo.