De Smet Grad and Husband Not Considered Suspect in Glendale Shootings, Police Say

Glendale police and officials with the Major Case Squad released very little new information during a Tuesday afternoon news conference on the shooting deaths of a mom and her two children on Monday. 

Catherine Murch and her children Mary Claire and Mitchell III, ages 8 and 10 respectively, were found shot to death in their home at 740 Hawbrook Tuesday around 11 a.m. Mitchell Murch, II, (the husband and father of the deceased) was in the home on the first floor when it happened. Mitchell Murch, II is a De Smet Jesuit graduate

Glendale Police Chief Jeffrey Beaton confirmed that Murch made two 911 calls on Monday morning - one to report that he heard shots fired and another to report a murder-suicide - that his wife had shot his children. Murch was questioned Monday and released.

Lt. Tim Fagan, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad, said police have not interviewed Murch since he was released last night.

"He (Murch) has been absolutely cooperative, and we don't consider him a suspect as this point," Fagin said. "But this is an ongoing, fluid investigation. It's too early to come to a full conclusion as to what exactly happened."

Fagin would not confirm that it was a murder-suicide, but noted they were not seeking any suspects in the investigation out of the home.

Fagin told reporters that his staff was awaiting autopsy results and labwork. He said that the squad has asked that those results be expedited, but couldn't say when that information would come in.

The children attended  School in Webster Groves, and the family was very active in the church. An impromptu prayer service at the church Monday night drew hundreds.

To see video of the news conference from our partners at FOX2NOW, click on the video in this article.

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