Police ask for tips in Middle Street deaths

No suspects have been identified in a fatal shooting on South Middle Street, and city officials are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Detavian L. Richardson, 20, and Zatrun R. Twiggs, 28, were pronounced dead early Monday morning after being gunned down inside a car by what police suspect were multiple occupants of a white SUV, said Sgt. Jason Selzer of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Police have not released a possible motive in the case.

At the Cape Girardeau City Council meeting Monday night, police chief Wes Blair said the suspects' vehicle, which is still being sought, had "big, star-like rims" and chrome around the windows.

The occupants were believed to be armed with what might have been an assault rifle.

Richardson's and Twiggs' deaths were the third and fourth homicides of the year in Cape Girardeau. The first was Joshua Dibert, who died June 19, and the second was Anthony Hempstead, who died June 28.

Sunday's shooting occurred about 9:15 p.m., when neighbors reported hearing approximately five gun shots.

A dark-colored Dodge Charger, from which the victims were removed, had its driver- and passenger-side windows broken.

The past three months have been violent ones in Ward 2, and Councilwoman Shelly Moore said Monday night that she is deeply concerned. As families are losing fathers, brothers and sons to the violence, Moore said she has received calls about the incidents and would welcome even more communication -- not just from people in her ward, but from anyone in the city.

"I do feel we need to come together to evaluate to understand why brother is killing brother, why friend is killing friend, so we can find a solution," she said at the Monday council meeting.

At this time, the police department has released no information about where the victims were shot or how many times they were hit. Selzer said the Major Case Squad, which is investigating the shooting, will release that information. Until then, the multiagency squad is pursuing leads.

Moore called for neighbors to unite to prevent future violent acts and keep the situation from spreading.

"If you have a thought about it but haven't shared it, please share," Moore said. "You can call me anytime. I'll listen."

She also encouraged anyone with any information about the recent homicides -- even a seemingly insignificant detail -- to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Southeast Missourian reporters Emily Priddy and Samantha Rinehart contributed to this story.

Pertinent address:

236 S. Middle Street, Cape Girardeau