2 dead following early-morning shooting on Mercy’s campus 

An early-morning shooting today in a parking garage on the east side of the Mercy Springfield Communities campus has left two dead, according to police.

Springfield Police Department spokesperson Cris Swaters said officers responded to a call of shots fired at 4:50 a.m. in a parking garage on South Rogers Avenue. Two people were located with gunshot wounds. Swaters said one person died at the scene and the other was transported to the hospital, where they later died.

“There is no ongoing threat to the public,” she said, noting police confirmed during the investigation that the incident was a murder-suicide.

Swaters said additional details will be shared as the investigation continues.

Mercy officials confirmed that one of the deceased was an employee of the health system. Mercy provided Springfield Business Journal with a written statement.

“We were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic event on our campus early this morning involving one of our caregivers,” the statement reads. “We are actively working with Springfield police to assist in their investigation and are unable to provide more information at this time. Police have assured us this is not an ongoing threat. The safety of our patients, visitors and caregivers is our highest priority.

“This is a difficult time for our team members, and we are providing additional support from our spiritual care team. For those who are visiting the hospital today, please be mindful of this tragic event as our caregivers are grieving,” the statement continues. 

“Any questions about the incident should be directed to law enforcement as they continue their investigation.”