Pair nabbed here in connection with Rankin County stabbing

A 22-year-old Morton man and a 17-year-old female companion were both arrested in Franklin County early Sunday afternoon on capital murder charges in connection with a stabbing death reported earlier the same day in Central Mississippi.

The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed 22-year-old Keair Stowers, a resident of Smith County’s Forest community, was found to have been stabbed to death with his body being found in a road-side ditch.

Additionally, authorities also found Stowers’ vehicle was missing and a state-wide, all-points bulletin was issued seeking the whereabouts of the truck and its occupants.

Franklin County Sheriff Tom Tindle said his agency and the Mississippi Highway Patrol located the missing truck on U.S. Highway 98 shortly after 1 p.m., Sunday afternoon.

Tindle confirmed those arrested included Jeffrey Allen Freeman, 22, and a 17-year-old female, who was also reportedly from Morton — the same Scott County community.

“The two individuals were taken into custody without incident and were being held locally until deputies from Rankin County came to get them late Sunday,” Tindle said.

“They were wanted on the capital murder charge and found their way to Franklin County. We were happy to help another agency with this matter, which was a very serious crime.”

Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said the investigation into what led to Stowers’ death is under way with law enforcement from both Rankin and Scott counties looking into the incident.

Authorities have confirmed Stowers was stabbed several times and his body left beside a section of Wilson Bates Road in rural Rankin County.