Authorities continue to investigate Cape Rock Drive shooting

The investigation continues into a shooting last week that killed two members of a Cape Girardeau family and left a third in the hospital with gunshot wounds, a police spokesman said.

Mary Joseph, 57, and her son, Matthew, 18, were found shot to death May 30 in their home at 1220 West Cape Rock Drive.

George Joseph, 48, was injured in the shooting, police said. His condition has not been released.

Darin Hickey, public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, said the shooting remains under investigation, but the scene has been released to the family.

"Remember our turnaround time on a lot of evidence that we have to send in to the crime lab can be months," Hickey wrote in an email Wednesday. "I am not saying that is the only thing we are waiting on, but a lot of times, evidence takes a long time to process."

A family member contacted by telephone Wednesday declined to comment on the case, citing concerns about jeopardizing an open investigation.

An obituary indicated that Mary Joseph had a background in the medical field, working for her family's business, Griffith Orthotics, and as a surgical technician at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She also was a volunteer with Southeast Hospice and an active member of the Catholic Church, according to her obituary.

Matthew Joseph was a former Southeast Missouri State University student and had just spent a year at Fontbonne University in St. Louis.

Visitation for the Josephs will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday at Old St. Vincent's Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Southeast Hospice.

Hickey said last week that everyone involved in the shooting was accounted for, and there was no danger to the public.

"There is no threat at this point," Hickey told reporters May 30. "All parties that were involved -- we believe we know where everybody is. There is not anybody out running around or anything like that. We have control of the scene."

Police have not released a suspect, motive or other details about the case, instead referring questions to the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's office. Prosecutors have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, citing ethical concerns.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

1220 W. Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.