Festus Man Charged With First-Degree Murder in Wife’s Shooting Death

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — A 55-year-old Festus man is facing first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges following the shooting death of his wife Thursday morning, November 5, 2026.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Todd M. Capstick, 55, and the victim as his wife, Dawn M. Capstick, 56, both of Festus.

Deputies Respond to Reported Shooting

According to authorities, a Jefferson County deputy was sent to a residence in the 3100 block of U.S. Highway 61 shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday to conduct a welfare check.

After learning that a shooting may have occurred at the residence, the deputy entered the home and discovered Dawn Capstick suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds at approximately 9:15 a.m.

The deputy immediately contacted emergency dispatchers and began lifesaving efforts while awaiting emergency medical personnel. Dawn Capstick died at the scene.

Suspect Located Through License Plate Camera System

Investigators learned from a 911 caller that the suspected shooter had left the property. Deputies began identifying vehicles associated with the couple to help locate the suspect.

At approximately 9:26 a.m., an analyst with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau located a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspect traveling southbound on Interstate 55 in Ste. Genevieve County.

The vehicle was identified using the Flock Safety camera network, which assists law enforcement agencies in locating vehicles through automated license plate recognition technology.

Authorities alerted neighboring law enforcement agencies, and Jefferson County investigators coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service in Cape Girardeau County.

Arrest Made Approximately One Hour After Initial Response

Law enforcement officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the Jackson area of Cape Girardeau County.

Todd Capstick was taken into custody during a traffic stop shortly before 10 a.m., approximately one hour after deputies were initially dispatched to the residence.

Capstick was first held at the Cape Girardeau County Jail before being transferred to the Jefferson County Jail.

Suspect Held Without Bond

Jefferson County prosecutors have charged Capstick with:

• First-degree murder
• Armed criminal action

He is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak credited cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies for the rapid identification and arrest of the suspect.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive.

Capstick is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.