A relative called 911 after the video call abruptly changed and the victim’s husband briefly appeared on the screen, authorities said.
FESTUS, Mo. — A Missouri man has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action after authorities said his 56-year-old wife was fatally shot at their Festus-area home while she was on a video call with a family member.
Todd M. Capstick, 55, is accused of killing his wife, Dawn M. Capstick, on Nov. 5 at their home in the 3100 block of U.S. Highway 61 south of Festus. A Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy was sent to the residence after a family member requested a welfare check and reported concerning events during a video conversation with Dawn, according to authorities and a probable cause statement cited by news organizations.
The family member told investigators that something was said about a shooting during the call before Dawn’s phone appeared to be on the floor. Todd Capstick then briefly appeared on the screen before the call was muted and paused, according to the probable cause statement. The relative ended the call and contacted 911.
A deputy arrived at the home at about 9:15 a.m. and found Dawn in a bedroom with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. The deputy and emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators also reported finding multiple shell casings in the bedroom.
Authorities reviewed security-camera footage from the residence as part of the investigation. The footage allegedly showed Dawn entering the home through the garage with Todd following her. About 22 minutes later, Todd was recorded leaving through the garage while holding what investigators described as a black-and-silver handgun, according to the probable cause statement.
Investigators then used traffic-camera information to track a vehicle associated with Todd as it traveled south on Interstate 55. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office contacted the U.S. Marshals Service for assistance after the vehicle was seen heading through Ste. Genevieve County toward southeastern Missouri.
U.S. Marshals located Todd in Cape Girardeau County and took him into custody during a traffic stop at about 10:01 a.m., roughly an hour after the investigation began, authorities said. Investigators reported recovering a handgun from the vehicle. People also reported, citing court documents, that Todd had a large amount of cash when he was located.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Todd with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. A judge ordered him held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. Court records reviewed by news organizations did not show a plea as of Nov. 12. Law&Crime reported that he had been arraigned and was scheduled to return to court Nov. 30.
Authorities have not publicly announced a confirmed motive for the killing. The allegations against Todd Capstick have not been proven in court, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has said the homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Dawn was remembered by relatives as a devoted mother, teacher and athlete who enjoyed animals, sewing, writing and reading. Her family described her as energetic and deeply committed to the people in her life.