Arrest made in last week's shooting death in Cape

The Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad announced the arrest of Tavious L. Tipler, 19, of Cape Girardeau on suspicion of murder in Thursday’s fatal shooting of Airious Darling, 28, of Cape Girardeau.

Tipler is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Tipler’s bond was set at $500,000 cash only.

Tipler was taken into custody Saturday on suspicion of a robbery occurring at 612 Locust St., the site of the killing. Tipler also is charged with second-degree robbery in that case, with a bond of $150,000 cash only.

“The Major Case Squad has worked tirelessly around the clock to bring justice to the family of the victim of this brutal and senseless murder,” Cape Girardeau police chief Wes Blair said. “It was through witnesses having the courage to come forward that made a swift arrest in this case possible.”

Darling was shot standing on the porch Thursday at 612 Locust St. A neighbor reported he was shot in the face. His roommate, who lived with him in the 900 block of Sprigg Street, said he was shot while holding a 1-year-old child.

Airious Darling

Maishael A. Miles, 18, of Sikeston, Missouri, also was arrested and charged with second-degree robbery at 612 Locust St. in January. His bond was set at $50,000 cash only.

“They accomplished their objective, and that was to locate the person responsible for the murder of Airious Darling,” Cape Girardeau public information officer Adam Glueck said of the Major Case Squad. “The Cape Girardeau Police Department will continue to investigate the incident.”

The Major Case Squad also assisted with the investigation of unlawful use of a weapon that occurred Saturday at 1126 N. Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau, although it was not connected to the homicide, according to a news release. Daniel J. Engram, 24, and Keshawn M. Childress, 28 both of Mound City, Illinois, were arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Bond for both was set at $75,000 cash or surety.

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