Cape Girardeau man charged with first-degree murder in deadly assault

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A Cape Girardeau man has been charged with first-degree murder after investigators say he fatally assaulted a man and later returned to the scene to attack him again before stealing his pants.

According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, officers responded around 6:56 a.m. July 20 to the 1300 block of North Main Street after receiving a report of a man lying on the ground bleeding. Officers found the victim dead at the scene, and the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad was activated.

Investigators identified the victim as Andrew Rhodes, 39, of Marble Hill.

According to the Major Case Squad, Rhodes was assaulted and struck multiple times in the head with a long pole. Investigators allege the suspect left the scene, returned about 10 minutes later, struck Rhodes again and then took the victim’s pants before leaving.

The investigation identified Gabreal McBride, 45, of Cape Girardeau, as the suspect.

According to the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, McBride was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action. He is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.

Investigators said they believe everyone involved in the homicide is now in custody and do not anticipate making any additional arrests.

McBride is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.