2 people shot at high school graduation ceremony; suspect charged

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS/Gray News) - A Missouri man has been charged in connection with a shooting at a graduation ceremony that left two people injured.

According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, they received multiple calls for gunfire Sunday inside the Show Me Center, where the Cape Central High School graduation was taking place.

A fight broke out inside the center on the upper-level concourse, according to Cape Girardeau Police Lt. Rick Schmidt. Two people were shot and taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said no students or staff members were injured. The graduation was rescheduled for a later time.

Kris E. Owens, 20, was arrested Monday afternoon in connection with the shooting. He was charged with felony first-degree assault, felony armed criminal action and felony unlawful use of a weapon. He’s being held without bond.

His father, 41-year-old Christopher J. Owens, was also arrested Monday. He was charged with loitering within 500 feet of school property as a registered sex offender. His bond was set at $25,000 cash only.

According to court documents, Kris Owens got into an argument with two men at a concession stand during Sunday’s graduation ceremony. He then allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband.

Police say the victim described getting into a fight with Kris Owens over the gun and the weapon going off, striking the victim in the stomach.

According to police, the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office declined to file charges on a person of interest being held pending further investigation into their possible involvement.

School leaders gave an update on Monday afternoon regarding the shooting. Superintendent Dr. Howard Benyon and Assistant Superintendent Josh Crowell spoke at the news conference.

“We are all angry and upset that some individuals from the community used what should have been a joyous, wonderful day for our families as an opportunity to act in such a reckless and selfish manner,” Benyon said.

He said classes were canceled for Tuesday, and Wednesday will be the last day, a half-day.

Counseling services for students, staff and community members will be available Tuesday at the middle school and high school between noon and 2 p.m.

Currently, they do not have a make-up date for graduation. They said that will be announced at a later date.

As for security plans, Crowell said keeping students safe is an ever-evolving process.

“This is not a type of subject matter that would want to stay static with your training and with your understanding and with your research of it,” he said. “You constantly have to have this at the forefront of your thoughts.”

Crowell said school leaders are going over what happened, which will likely lead to new safety protocols in the future.