Man accused of murdering pregnant woman shows pattern of domestic violence
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia man charged with the murder of a pregnant woman made his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon. The Boone County Sheriff's Office said the attack was likely domestic violence.
Sevance Brewer, 31, was arrested and charged Tuesday in relation to the death of a 27-year-old pregnant woman. He is being held in the Boone County Jail without bond. Prosecutors charged Brewer with two counts of second-degree murder, armed criminal action and illegal gun possession.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office responded to the 4800 block of Clearview Road in Boone County just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday for a report of an assault. There, sheriff's deputies found a pregnant woman dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
According to court documents, Brewer shot the woman during an argument. Investigators watched doorbell camera footage to determine Brewer allegedly watched her fall against the wall before leaving the home with the gun. Investigators then found the gun under a rock n a creek bed at Again Street Park.
Spokesperson for the Boone County Sheriff, Cpt. Brian Leer, said the attack was likely a domestic violence situation. Court documents obtained by ABC 17 News show domestic violence may be a pattern for Brewer. The documents said Brewer has previous domestic assault charges from 2019 and 2021, "in which the victim appears to be the same as the victim in the present case."
"You're not alone in what you're going through, the abuse that you might be experiencing isn't your fault. And advocates are there to help you safety plan," said Matthew Huffman, of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
MoCADSV connects people with domestic violence resources, such as court advocates, safe houses and counseling.
Two children between 3 and 4 years old were at the home when the shooting occurred, according to court documents.
Angela Hirsch with Rape and Abuse Crisis Center said children are often "the straw that breaks the camel's back" when it comes to domestic abuse situations.
"Parents that are being abused by their partner are often in denial about how where a child is of the violence that's happening in the home," Hirsch said.
If you or a loved one needs help, call the 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (800) 799-7233.
