One dead, one in critical condition following Cape Girardeau County shootings

Repeated 911 hang-up calls from a home on Old Route V alerted Cape Girardeau County authorities early Monday to what they suspect is an accidental shooting followed by a suicide.

Lt. David James of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department said that based on statements from two witnesses, Lana Ussery, 64, was attempting to take a firearm away from her son, Charlie Ussery, 45, so he wouldn't shoot himself. After Charlie Ussery shot his mother in the torso, he shot and killed himself, James said. Two witnesses who were visiting the Usserys with their two children left the scene and reported the incident at the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Officers from the sheriff's department, Cape Girardeau Police Department and East County Fire District first responders were dispatched to 3809 Old Route V around 3:50 a.m.

Cape Girardeau County chief deputy coroner Jerry Goin said there would be no autopsy on Charlie Ussery.

"It's pretty clear on what happened," Goin said. "We are going to have toxicology reports done. That will be all from our office."

Lana Ussery was taken from the scene to an area hospital where she had surgery. Following her operation Monday afternoon, she was listed as being in critical condition.

While authorities sought no suspects in the crime, James said officers arrested another witness who allegedly fired shots in the air in order to get someone's attention at the scene. The person, he said, may be charged for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The person was released late Monday, and charges were pending with the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's office.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

3809 Old Route V, Cape Girardeau, MO