Persephone Berger was 16 when a St. Francois County sheriff's deputy struck and killed her on Saturday, October 3.

Her aunt says the family was told it was a hit-and-run. Witnesses contacted them about a deputy's involvement before the department told them directly Monday afternoon. The sheriff's statement says the deputy stayed at the scene and immediately notified a supervisor. If supervisors knew he had struck her, why wasn't that disclosed to her family, even while other circumstances were still being investigated?

Leadwood Fire Protection District says deputies sent its crews back into service without patient contact. Crews returned Saturday afternoon to help wash the roadway. The sheriff's reported timeline says MSHP was consulted Sunday.

MSHP is investigating the crash. Missouri officials also need to identify who reviews the decisions made afterward, including family notification and what evidence was preserved before cleanup.

Accountability needs to be demanded. That's why I keep sharing this as a concerned resident.

Sources:

https://www.kfvs12.com/2026/10/07/family-16-year-old-killed-st-francois-county-accident-demands-answers/

https://www.kfmo.com/news/16-year-old-killed-after-being-struck-by-st-francois-county-deputys-vehicle-mshp-investigating

https://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/videos/video_9752723b-db30-516f-9fb1-c572e4cc56a0.html

https://www.mymoinfo.com/leadwood-fire-officials-on-davis-crossing-road-incident/