A Arel Dawkins, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, authorities said Tuesday.
Kansas City police were called shortly before 8 a.m. on August 6 to a home where they found 42-year-old Braisen Cain, a teacher and mother of five, lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said Cain, who was expecting the suspect’s child, was first struck by a Ford F-150. After exiting the vehicle, the suspect allegedly shot her more than 20 times with a .40-caliber pistol, reloading at least once during the attack, before fleeing.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing the shooter reload. Surveillance footage also showed the victim being hit by the truck before the gunfire began.
Authorities said the suspect later called family members to confess and expressed suicidal thoughts. He was located through cellphone tracking and arrested in Springfield, Missouri. He remains held without bond in Greene County Jail.
Friends and family described Cain as a loving mother devoted to her children and her students. A fundraiser has been launched to help support her family and cover funeral costs.
Sources
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