INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — Cecil Mains, 47, has been charged with the murder of his wife, 44-year-old Jerri Mains, following a shooting at their family home. Police stated the incident occurred on December 28 while the couple's four children were present.
Children Called 911 Begging for Help
Dispatchers received multiple emergency calls from the children, who range in age from 10 to 19. One child was recorded begging for help, telling operators, "My dad is shooting my mom."
Another child reported that their father shot their mother inside the house and again in the driveway. Officers arrived to find Jerri suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest; she was transported to a hospital where she later died.
Motive Linked to Protective Order
Court documents indicate the shooting followed allegations of infidelity and a protective order filed by Jerri on Christmas Day. She had reportedly removed Cecil from the home after he allegedly assaulted her with kitchen tongs and threatened her life.
Police say that on the day of the shooting, Cecil returned to the residence, accessed a locked gun, and opened fire. He fled the scene in a pickup truck but was apprehended shortly after during a traffic stop.
Prosecutor Calls Case "Devastating"
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears described the facts of the case as "devastating" for the surviving children. Cecil Mains was formally charged with murder on Tuesday.
Jerri Mains was remembered in her obituary as a "devoted mother" who prioritized her children above all else.
For more cases related to domestic violence tragedies, check out our video here:
