The Cape Girardeau community is reeling from a tragic shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the loss of one life, Kemari Childress, and leaving another individual with non-life-threatening injuries. Kemari’s passing marks a profound loss for our community, and our hearts go out to their loved ones during this difficult time.
In response to this horrific event, the Cape Girardeau-Bollinger County Major Case Squad has been activated to lead the investigation, underlining the gravity with which local law enforcement is approaching the situation.
The incident unfolded near the CVS Pharmacy on William Street, prompting authorities to respond to reports of gunfire around 2:30 p.m. Cape Girardeau Police patrolman Bobby Newton confirmed that upon arrival, officers found two individuals with gunshot wounds, prompting their immediate transport to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses describe a scene of chaos, with reports of at least six shots fired, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the threat it posed to public safety.
Following the shooting, William Street was temporarily closed to allow for the investigation, with the road reopening around 4:30 p.m. This swift action aimed to minimize disruption to the community while underscoring the importance of preserving the crime scene.
As the investigation progressed, authorities identified a person of interest, marking a significant development in the pursuit of justice. The situation intensified around 8 p.m. when officers located a vehicle believed to be linked to the suspect. An attempt to stop the vehicle near Woodbine Place and Themis Street led to a pursuit when the suspect failed to comply with law enforcement commands.
The chase concluded near N. Pindwood Lane and Whitener Street, where the vehicle stopped, and three individuals fled. While two of these individuals have been apprehended and are currently in custody awaiting formal charges, the search for the third individual is ongoing, underscoring the active nature of the investigation.
The Cape Girardeau Police Department urges anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. Community members can reach out to the police directly, use the anonymous tip line, or send a text message to the provided number, ensuring that even the smallest detail is brought to the attention of authorities.
This tragedy has shaken the Cape Girardeau community to its core, prompting a unified response from law enforcement and the public to hold those responsible accountable and restore a sense of safety and peace to our area.
