Body found in lake near Cape Girardeau

A Cape Girardeau man was found dead Saturday morning in Elk's Lake north of Cape Girardeau.

The body was identified as Terry Dale Dalton, 64. Capt. David James of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department was unable to provide the exact time the body was found in the lake, which is behind the Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge 639.

The Cape Girardeau and Bollinger County Major Case Squad was activated to assist in the investigation early Saturday. James said the death was suspicious and is being investigated.

Terry Dalton

Coroner John Clifton said an autopsy was scheduled for Dalton on Saturday afternoon.

According to Dalton's Facebook page, he's been employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Cape Girardeau since 1981.

James said the man was not declared missing, but the Major Case Squad is interested in his whereabouts from noon Friday until the discovery of his body Saturday.

About 4 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Cape Girardeau

Sheriff's and Cape Girardeau Police departments still were at the scene, and two divers appeared to be investigating in the east side of the lake.

Police did not give details on what led them to the body.

James asked anyone with more information to contact the sheriff's office at 243-3551 and ask for the Major Case Squad.

smaue@semissourian.com