East Cape couple burned; woman believed set afire

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- The Alexander County, Ill., Sheriff's Department is investigating a suspected domestic dispute that left a woman and her husband with severe burns.

Deputies responded to "a domestic situation" between 5 and 5:30 a.m. Saturday at 28 Comanche Drive in East Cape Girardeau, Sheriff Tim Brown said Tuesday.

They found a married couple with severe burns that required medical attention, Brown said.

The man and woman were taken to Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau and later were flown to a St. Louis hospital for treatment, he said.

"We're still investigating it. I don't think it was per se the house" that was set on fire, Brown said.

The fire was confined to one small area of the couple's home, he said.

"The area of the fire was strictly in one area of the bedroom, on the bed," Brown said.

No charges have been filed yet, but Brown said at this point in their investigation, authorities suspect the man set fire to his wife.

"She got the most severe burns," he said.

Brown said the man had burns to his upper torso, while his wife was burned from head to toe.

Two children -- a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old -- were home at the time, but neither was injured, Brown said.

He said officers already had interviewed the younger child and were planning to interview the older child Tuesday.

While executing a search warrant, officers found drugs in the home, Brown said.

The case remains under investigation.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

28 Comanche Drive, East Cape Girardeau, Mo.