In a quiet St. Louis Hills home, a story of unimaginable tragedy unfolded, leaving a community in shock and a family forever broken. Matthew Trokey, a 33-year-old man, was found deceased in his residence on Friday, February 2, 2018, the victim of a devastating murder-suicide. Alongside him were his 32-year-old wife, Mary Jo Trokey, and their beloved 3-month-old daughter, Taylor Rose. All three had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The discovery was made by a concerned family member who went to check on them after being unable to establish contact.
The initial investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department pointed towards a murder-suicide, with no signs of forced entry into the home. As detectives delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, a heartbreaking narrative began to emerge. Evidence suggested that Mary Jo Trokey, who was a social worker, had purchased a gun just days before the incident. This discovery, coupled with the nature of the scene, led investigators to believe that she was the perpetrator, taking the lives of her husband and infant child before turning the gun on herself.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the focus of the investigation shifted to Mary Jo's mental state, with postpartum depression being considered as a significant contributing factor. Friends and family were left grappling with the inexplicable loss of a couple who, by all outward appearances, were a stable and loving family. Their pastor recalled baptizing Taylor Rose just a short time before their deaths, stating he saw no indication of any underlying turmoil. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, prompting conversations about the importance of mental health support for new mothers.
There were no other suspects in the case, and no arrests were made, as the investigation concluded that the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide perpetrated by Mary Jo Trokey. The family's dog was also found at the scene, having been grazed by a bullet but surviving the incident. The devastating event left behind a void in the lives of their loved ones and a community mourning the loss of a young family.
