Sikeston suspect at large after man shot to death

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Police found a man mortally wounded after a shooting in front of a liquor store Saturday, and a Sikeston man charged with murder remained at large Sunday.

Antoine A. Harris-Applewhite, 33, of Sikeston was charged Sunday with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the Saturday killing of Samuel L. Sanders III, 35, of Sikeston, according to Capt. Jim McMillen, Sikeston Department of Public Safety public information officer.

McMillen said Applewhite's whereabouts are not known, and police are seeking help finding him.

The shooting was reported about 5 p.m. Saturday at Westside Liquor at 889 W. Malone Ave. in Sikeston.

According to a news release from the department, officers found Sanders shot in the chest, lying in the roadway in front of the liquor store.

"Several bystanders told officers the shooting occurred in the parking lot of Westside Liquor, and the victim ran to the roadway as he tried to get away from the gunshots," the release stated.

Investigators later reported Applewhite and Sanders had an altercation at the liquor store, McMillen said.

Sanders was alive but unconscious after the shooting. He was taken to a hospital, where he died later.

The SEMO Major Case Squad was activated in the case.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is asking anyone with information to call (573) 471-4711.

"We are also asking anyone with information or cellphone video of any part of this incident to contact our department," McMillen said. "It is rumored that bystanders may have some of this incident recorded as cellphone video. Any of this video could be very helpful in this investigation, and we are asking that those that have video to step forward."

The Standard Democrat contributed to this story.

The Standard Democrat contributed to this story.