SEMO students, local organizations call for change after deadly shooting

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) –Following a deadly shooting in Cape Girardeau on September 27, 2026 local organizations and Southeast Missouri State University students are calling for a broader conversation about safety and resources for young people.

Deborah Carter, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Girardeau, said organizations serving local youth are already working to provide safe spaces, mentorship and after-school programs.

The Boys & Girls Club provides after-school programming for children up to age 18, including mentorship, tutoring, life-skills education, meals and a safe place to spend time away from the streets.

Carter said the organization is also looking at ways to expand its programming, including potentially opening on weekends. She said additional funding would be needed to make that possible.

“It’s not just us here that’s been affected,” Carter said. “We’re dependent on donors.”

Carter said community support helps organizations continue providing services to children and teens.

SEMO students are also voicing concerns about safety following Sunday’s shooting.

Hunter Heimburger, a SEMO student, said he was at Encore Pizza, near where the shooting happened, about 15 hours earlier.

“I came down with my mom for parents’ weekend, and we had pizza together and ate,” Heimburger said. “Then I found out that night it was two students that were caught in the crossfire. I’m like, this hits hard to home.”

Heimburger said he has concerns about walking downtown at night since the shooting.

He said he plans to attend an event at River Campus Friday night but is reconsidering how he will get there and return to campus.

“I don’t know what time I’m going to have to leave,” Heimburger said. “But with its current state, I’m probably going to have to Uber.”

The Cape Girardeau Police Department’s major case squad continues to investigate the shooting.