One suspect in custody, other suspect still at large, in Cape Girardeau murder

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Maurice Patterson Jr. has turned himself in to police, while Thomas Q. Bean is still at large.

According to Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Joey Hann, Patterson peacefully turned himself into police, on Dec. 31.

Hann said, that detectives currently are conducting follow up interviews.

Authorities continue to search for Thomas Q. Bean, who is considered armed and dangerous.

The public is still strongly encouraged to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department with any additional information.

The two men were wanted in connection to a murder at a Cape Girardeau apartment on Wednesday, December 11.

On Monday, Dec. 30, Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Joey Hann said officers followed up on numerous tips in the case.

He said they’ve searched multiple homes without success.

The 19-year-old’s names and warrant information were entered into a nationwide law enforcement database, so if any other officers see them, they will know the two are wanted in Cape Girardeau.

According to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Welker, his office filed charges on Thomas Q. Bean and Maurice Patterson, Jr. for second-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree robbery.

The bond for Thomas Bean was set at $1 million. No bond was set for Maurice Patterson, Jr.

According to court documents, an eyewitness told investigators the shooting took place as the result of a drug robbery.

The witness reported 53-year-old Richard Reeves of Decatur Michigan, the victim, arrived in Cape Girardeau with the intent of selling marijuana. The witness reportedly set up a deal between Reeves and Thomas Bean.

Prior to the shooting, Bean and another person arrived at the apartment and met with Reeves for the transaction. That’s when Bean allegedly shot at Reeves. When Reeves went for the gun, Bean allegedly shot again and hit him.

According to court documents, the person with Bean was identified as Maurice Patterson, Jr.

First responders were called out at 9:54 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 for a shooting. This was at 652 South Spring Street on the upper floor of the apartments.

Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Joey Hann said Reeves was found with gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Police say he was hit inside a second floor apartment. They said the victim’s daughter lived in the apartment and he occasionally stayed there.

Reeves was taken to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.

According to Prosecuting Attorney Mark Welker, the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad was activated.

The Major Case Squad met on Thursday morning to investigate multiple leads in this case.

Lorecia Taylor lives in the apartment lower level apartment, but wasn’t home when the shooting happened.

“I started getting calls people who knew I lived in the building was concerned about me so they were calling to check on me and I was like, what, I had no idea 'cause I left at 6:30 this morning,” said Taylor

She said she doesn’t even feel safe in her own home.

“It’s really bothering me, it’s concerning especially with no suspect or no leads because it’s kinda scary. I’ll probably stay at my sisters out in Jackson tonight,” Taylor said.

She said she just wants more information.

“Not knowing if it was random or if the people were affiliated or something, you know that could, make me feel a little bit better,” Taylor said.

The public is strongly encouraged to contact the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad or the Cape Girardeau Police Department with any information on the investigation.

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