Northeast Missouri Murder Suspect Commits Suicide in Jail

A northeast Missouri man who was arrested after an officer-involved shooting, and was later charged with first-degree murder, has committed suicide in jail.

According to WGEM-TV, Travis Brokes was found dead in his cell at the Marion County Jail on Thursday night. Another inmate at the jail is reported to have also attempted suicide, but survived after receiving medical treatment at an area hospital.

Brokes was taken into custody following an exchange of gunfire with authorities in Monroe City in 2016. Brokes was charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Brittany Gauch of Hannibal. Brokes was also facing charges in the wounding of Gauch's husband, Aaron Gauch, and in the shooting of Monroe City Police officer Travis Pugh, who was later awarded the State of Missouri Police Officer of the Year Award.

Prosecutors announced in September that they would seek the death penalty for Brokes.