ST. LOUIS – The pastor of the couple found dead after an apparent double murder-suicide inside a St. Louis Hills home describes them as a “very stable, Catholic couple,” who showed no signs that would trigger any type of violence.
“Shocked, surprised, I never thought it would be a couple like this," said Father Bob Reiker, pastor of St. Raphael Catholic Church.
Father Reiker identifies the couple as Matt and Mary Joe Trokey. He knew them well. The Trokey’s three-month-old daughter, who was also found dead inside the home, was baptized by Father Reiker a few months ago.
"When I found out it was the Trokey family, I was just blown away by that fact," he said. "It just seems unfathomable to have this happen."
He described Matt Trokey as a good guy, always saying hello when they saw each other. And his wife Mary J, he said, a woman who cared about others, working with the poor at the church.
"[They] seemed like a very stable, catholic couple," said Father Reiker. “You would never suspect there were any problems that would lead to something like this."
On Friday afternoon, police found the Trokey's and their baby girl dead inside the home.
“We are just shocked and saddened for the entire community, said Amy Kavanaugh, a long-time resident.
More than 24 hours later, the community is trying to come to grips with a loss that still doesn't seem real. And the leader of their church is looking to find answers for his parishioners at a time when their faith is tested.
“When suffering comes to us as a parish family, or the Trokey family--an extended family--there is no easy explanation why good people suffer evil things,” he said.
