Update: Police Release Few Updates In Glendale Shooting Deaths
GLENDALE, MO (KTVI) – The Major Case Squad continues to search for answers in the deaths of a mother and her two children. They were found dead inside their home on Hawbrook Road, not far from Lockwood and Sappington Roads in Glendale.
Authorities say Mitch Murch II, the father and husband called 9-1-1 from the home Monday saying there had been a murder-suicide. When they arrived, police found Murch performing CPR on his 11-year-old son, Mitch Murch III. His wife, Cathy Murch, was found shot in the kitchen. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The 9-year-old daughter, Mary Claire Murch, was found shot upstairs. Both children were rushed to area hospitals where they were pronounced dead.
Mitch Murch II was taken to into custody for questioning, but was later released.
Authorities say a weapon was recovered from inside the home but say there was no apparent suicide note found.
Neighbors in the area are visibly upset. Friends of the victims say they attended Mary Queen of Peace in nearby Webster Groves. The pastor says they appeared to be a happy family. Both the priest and some of the staff at the rectory appeared shaken by all the events.
They released this statement:
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life involving a family in one of our parish communities. Mary Queen of Peace Pastor Fr. Bob Reiker and Associate Pastor Fr. Craig Holway are working with grieving family members and the MQP parish family to cope with the aftermath of this tragedy. Out of respect, we ask that the media allow them to grieve privately. Counseling will be made available to the community. We ask that you keep the family and parish in your prayers.”
The family was involved in Mary Queen of Peace. According to the church bulletin, the mother was involved in the parish school. New families to the parish were directed to her to learn more about the elementary school.
Mitch Murch is involved in the Respect Life Apostolate. Apparently he’s in charge of it. Parishioners are told to seek him out if they are interested in pro-life issues.
We also understand the father worked in a business responsible for cleaning buildings.
