A 14-year-old Salem boy was the victim of a fatal shooting at a rural St. Peter home on Saturday night.
Dakota Caige Branch was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting by Fayette County Coroner Dave Harris in the 700 block of North 2200 Street. He was an eighth-grade student at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem. Funeral services are pending at the Crouse Funeral Home in Salem.
A juvenile suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended. Illinois State Police Zone 8 investigation has not released any further details on the arrest.
In a letter to parents and guardians, Salem Grade School Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe announced the death with deep regret. She said the school will have its counselors and social workers, plus all teachers and staff available for any student, parent, or school staff member who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss.
A sister has started a GoFundMe account to help raise money for Dakota’s funeral expenses. The fundraiser reads “[This was] a horrible death that nobody should ever have to suffer through and something that has permanently left us with a hole where he once was. Dakota was a kind soul and the best little brother I could ever ask for, and he was taken far too soon.”
The fundraiser was set up to meet funeral expenses. $4,946 has been raised towards the $10,000 goal as of two Monday afternoon. To view the GoFundMe, you may visit: https://gf.me/v/c/2y2k/qt8a5b-dakota-branch
An autopsy is being completed in Springfield on Monday.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Vandalia, and St. Elmo Police along with the St. Peter Fire Department all initially responded. The investigation was later turned over to Illinois State Police Zone 8 investigations. ISP says the investigation is open and ongoing.
