A Missouri man contacted emergency services following his girlfriend’s death at a motel, leading investigators to launch a homicide investigation. Nicholas Ayres, 35, faces charges of second-degree felony murder and first-degree domestic assault in connection with the death of 37-year-old Destiny Dunn, according to the Columbia Police and Boone County jail records.
The incident came to light on August 12 at approximately 3:22 p.m. when Ayres called 911, stating that Dunn was lying down, and although she might have a heartbeat, she appeared discolored. This information is detailed in a probable cause statement reviewed by Fox News Digital.
Ayres initially informed the dispatcher that an altercation in the shower resulted in Dunn falling. However, as the conversation progressed, Ayres admitted to a physical confrontation and acknowledged Dunn showed signs of bruising. He vehemently denied assaulting her, claiming, “It looks like I beat her up, but I promise to God I didn’t do it.” The dispatcher provided guidance on performing chest compressions.
Upon the officers’ arrival, they discovered Dunn deceased. An affidavit cited her body displaying extensive bruising, notably on her neck, face, and around her eyes.
Witnesses, who shared a wall with the couple, reported hearing sounds of a physical struggle around 11 a.m. that day, aligning with details in the court filing. Police began reconstructing events within the motel room.
“Her death was determined to be a homicide,” Columbia Police stated.
During a post-Miranda interview, Ayres confessed to physical altercations with Dunn on August 11 and 12, though he described them as unintentional. He insisted, “I do not beat women,” as per the affidavit.
The search of the motel room yielded Ayres’ cellphone. Authorities claim the phone revealed a timeline indicating escalating violence in the days leading up to Dunn’s death. A recording from August 10 showed Dunn unmarked initially, but later videos captured instances of assault. Police allege Ayres could be heard instructing Dunn to “clean up her mess” amidst slapping and punching sounds, ultimately grabbing her hair and delivering a blow to her face.
On August 12, recordings painted a dire scenario. By 12:06 p.m., Dunn was captured in a bathtub, motionless except for slight movement. Two minutes later, another video allegedly portrayed Ayres pacing while a woman groaned.
“I’m really calling 911,” Ayres purportedly remarked in the video. “I have to because I’m not going down for manslaughter.” However, his 12:21 p.m. 911 call was labeled as accidental, according to the probable cause statement. It took until the 3:22 p.m. call for authorities to respond to the scene.
Police also noted defensive wounds on Ayres’ body. Ultimately, Dunn’s demise was classified as a homicide. The officer stated in the probable cause statement that Ayres physically assaulted Dunn “to the point she died from her injuries.” Ayres remains held without bond and has a scheduled court date on September 2.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Dunn’s family emphasizes her positive attributes beyond the tragedy. Her sister, Marinah Hollon, highlighted Dunn’s nurturing nature and the profound impact she had on those around her through a GoFundMe page.
“She brought love and kindness into others’ lives,” Hollon noted. “No family should endure this heartbreak.”
The Columbia Police continue their investigation into this case.