Police continue to investigate death of man in Cape Girardeau
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – It was July 14, a day city leaders call a sad day. Cape Girardeau’s beloved downtown splattered blood covering the sidewalk.
Linard Thomas was only 42 years old when he was shot and killed.
Bobby Newton, the public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, says Thomas’s death remains unsolved.
“During the investigation we learned there was an establishment in that area that patrons frequent,” said Newton. “I am not sure if it’s a business or if it’s just a hangout spot for individuals.”
FOX23 News went looking for answers gaining confirmation from the Permit Technician for the city of Cape that a business application for Als Spirit and Cigar Lounge on 417 Broadway Street.
The application was submitted on March 27 2024 and rejected on June 18 2024 from the building inspector due to no response for inspections.
Authorities say making the place Thomas was before he was shot and killed illegal.
Newton says police are looking into how that may have played a role. He says he has faith his officers will solve the case and find justice for Linard Thomas’s family.
“We have highly trained individuals that work in our detectives unit,” said Newton. “They are doing everything possible. They are following up on leads as they come in. They are talking to everyone that was there trying to track them down. The investigation is still going to continue and we’re going to do everything we can to find who was responsible.”
The death of Thomas is just one shooting in Cape with more questions than answers. That’s why Mayor Stacy Kinder says the killing is one reason why Cape’s newly formed gun violence task force is key, saying the people of Cape Girardeau deserve a safe city.
“Hearing from the people who are experts in these things and hearing not just their data or their anecdotes but what they see especially regarding trends has been essential for us,” said Mayor Kinder.
She says the world is changing and you can’t go into a big event without going through a metal detector. However, the streets do not have metal detectors and some people just don’t care.
“Certainly people who are engaged in criminal activity are operating around those ordinances,” said Mayor Kinder. “Unfortunately there’s the enforcement side that always has to be there and always has to be strong for folks that just aren’t going to pay attention or care about the laws we have in place already.”
Mayor Kinder says the council trusts the Cape Girardeau Police Department to do their job and they want to help in any way they can.
“The police department is on the front line for public safety here for the community and so we are always what the police department needs to better do their job. The city council is always asking if there are ordinances that we need to strengthen or change or prove upon to create a better environment.”
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