Victim, shooter identified following early-morning shooting on Mercy’s campus 

The Springfield Police Department has identified the two people killed following an early-morning shooting today in a parking garage on the east side of the Mercy Springfield Communities campus.

According to a news release, police responded to a call of shots fired at 4:50 a.m. in the parking garage on South Rogers Avenue. They located two individuals with gunshot wounds, Russell Ecton, 60, and Jacqueline Ecton, 59, both of Springfield. Police confirmed the incident was a murder-suicide, noting Russell Ecton shot and killed Jacqueline Ecton.

Russell Ecton died at the scene after a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the release. Jacqueline Ecton was transported to the hospital, where she later died.

“There is no ongoing threat to the public,” said Springfield Police Department spokesperson Cris Swaters.

Mercy provided Springfield Business Journal this morning 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.