Suspect arrested in fatal Sikeston stabbing

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston police say they have a suspect in custody in connection to a body found in the basement of a home there.

Melvin Lawrence Harris, 23, of Sikeston was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of his girlfriend.

Police found the body of 28-year-old Danielle Keown in the basement at 867 Stanford Drive at about 11 a.m. Friday, according to a news release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. Due to clues at the scene police suspected foul play immediately, according to the release.

Sikeston police called in assistance from the New Madrid County sheriff, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the SEMO Major Case Squad. The case appears to be a domestic dispute that happened Thursday night between Harris and Keown. According to the news release, a struggle occurred in the basement and ended with the Keown's fatal stabbing.

Pertinent address:

867 Stanford Drive, Sikeston, MO