Russell Ecton And Jacqueline Ecton Obituary, Mercy Hospital Parking Garage Murder-Suicide, SPRINGFIELD, MO — Two people are dead following a murder-suicide at the Mercy Hospital Springfield parking garage early Thursday morning, an incident that has shaken hospital staff and prompted an active homicide investigation by local authorities.
According to the Springfield Police Department, officers responded at approximately 4:50 a.m. to a report of a shooting on the second floor of the Mercy Hospital parking garage located at 1235 E. Cherokee Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased man identified as 60-year-old Russell Ecton of Springfield and a critically injured woman, 59-year-old Jacqueline Ecton.
Authorities said Jacqueline Ecton was transported to the hospital’s emergency department following the shooting, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Police confirmed that Russell Ecton was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Mercy Hospital later confirmed that Jacqueline Ecton was a caregiver employed at the facility. In a statement, the hospital expressed grief over the tragedy and said additional spiritual care and support services were being made available to staff members affected by the incident.
The Springfield Police Department stated that investigators from the homicide unit determined that Russell Ecton shot Jacqueline Ecton before turning the weapon on himself. Officials also confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public and that no suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to review evidence and circumstances surrounding the incident. This marks the seventh homicide investigation in Springfield so far in 2026.
