Conflicting stories complicate shooting investigation

Conflicting witness statements about a Cape Girardeau shooting that injured two people are stalling the investigative process, authorities said.

Detectives have interviewed several witnesses, some of whom have given conflicting statements as to what occurred in the Wednesday afternoon shooting, police Sgt. Barry Hovis said. He said investigators were searching for additional witnesses.

The motive behind the shooting was also unclear; police have not released the names of the shooting victims.

Police responded to a call of shots fired in the 300 block of South Hanover Street at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Shortly after arriving at the scene, officers learned that two men, ages 22 and 28, were taken in separate, private vehicles to local hospitals.

A 28-year-old Charleston, Mo., man was shot multiple times. He was treated and released from Saint Francis Medical Center Thursday, police spokesman Jason Selzer said.

The second victim, a 22-year-old Cape Girardeau man, was shot once and remained hospitalized Thursday evening.

Investigators believe the shooting may have originated inside 303 S. Hanover St. before spilling into the street, according to Hovis. Originally, two weapons were suspected as being involved, but now detectives believe only one handgun was used, he said.

Shell casings were recovered from the scene, but investigators would not release their caliber or where exactly they were found.

According to a police evidence-recovery sheet given to the home's occupant, several shell casings were found inside 303 S. Hanover St.

The home's occupant said he was on his porch at the time of the shooting and did not know from where the shots were fired.

A silver Chevrolet impounded near the scene by police following the shooting was used to transport one of the wounded men to a local hospital. Blood was found on the inside of the vehicle, which would likely be released to its owner, Hovis said.

Some neighbors complained that 303 S. Hanover St., calling it a drug house.

The home was considered a crime scene and was searched Wednesday night, Hovis said. He would not comment on what evidence was found or if any investigations were being conducted into possible drug sales at the home.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127