Murder charges have been filed against a man whose wife and son were found shot to death in their Cape Girardeau home.
The Cape Girardeau prosecuting attorney offices filed murder charges against George Edwin Joseph, 48, on Friday in connection to the killing of wife, 57-year old wife Mary Joseph and the couple’s 18 year-old son Matthew Joseph at their home at 1220 West Cape Rock Drive in Cape Girardeau. George Joseph is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Joseph shot his wife and son multiple times in the head while they were asleep, and then shot himself in the head while standing in the middle of the family’s swimming pool. A family member of Mary Joseph found both Mary and Matthew Joseph’s bodies in their beds. The family member then called 911. Another family member who arrived at the scene discovered George Joseph in the pool house.
George Joseph was taken to a St. Louis hospital where he was treated for his wounds, which are considered non-life threatening. He confessed to police that he shot and killed his wife and son and then attempted to take his own life.
According to the probable cause statement, George Joseph had been depressed and “was suffering from significant financial issues that impacted not only himself, but also a large number of other individuals.” He said he killed his family members to save them from the shame of financial ruin.
Police found a .22 caliber Jennings semi-automatic handgun in the pool. A witness who was identified as G. Seabaugh told law enforcement he bought the gun from George Joseph. Joseph later asked Seabaugh if he could borrow the gun on May 26 so he could take his son target shooting.
George Joseph’s bond was set for $5 million.
