Kennett man pleads guilty to murder in wife's shooting death

KENNETT, Mo. — A Kennett man charged with killing his wife in May 2014 pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder.

Allan Branum appeared before Circuit Judge Robert Mayer in a courtroom of the Dunklin County Justice Center.

Branum was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Regena Branum on May 22, 2014, during an argument at their home on North Jackson Street. Police took Branum into custody that night. He was released briefly on bond last summer, but that bond later was revoked after Branum failed to meet the conditions of his release.

The armed criminal action charge will be dismissed because of Wednesday’s plea.

Branum faces between 10 and 30 years or life in prison. Because of the nature of the crime, he will serve 85 percent of whatever sentence is given.

Sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 21.

Pertinent address:

Kennett, Mo.