A Missouri man has been charged with second-degree felony murder and first-degree domestic assault following the death of his girlfriend in a Columbia motel room, authorities said.
Nicholas Ayres, 35, was arrested after Destiny Dunn, 37, was found dead in their motel room on August 12, according to Columbia Police and Boone County jail records. Investigators later uncovered disturbing videos on Ayres’ phone, which contributed to the case being reclassified as a homicide investigation.
Ayres called 911 at approximately 3:22 p.m. on August 12, telling dispatchers Dunn was lying down, possibly had a heartbeat, and appeared "red and blue." During the call, Ayres claimed the couple had an altercation in the shower before he exited, and Dunn fell afterward. However, as dispatchers pressed for details, Ayres allegedly admitted to fighting with Dunn and acknowledged she had bruises.
"It looks like I f---ing beat her up and I promise to God I didn’t do it," Ayres reportedly told the dispatcher, according to a probable cause statement reviewed by law enforcement. Officers arrived within a minute and found Dunn deceased. Investigators documented bruising across her body, including severe bruising to her neck and face, as well as swollen and discolored eyelids.
Neighbors who shared a wall with the motel room reported hearing what sounded like a physical altercation around 11 a.m. that morning, according to court filings. During a post-Miranda interview, Ayres allegedly admitted to physical altercations with Dunn on August 11 and August 12.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities reviewing additional evidence. Ayres is being held without bond at the Boone County jail pending further proceedings.
Timeline of Key Events
- August 11: Alleged physical altercation between Ayres and Dunn.
- August 12, 11 a.m.: Neighbors report hearing a physical altercation in the motel room.
- August 12, 3:22 p.m.: Ayres calls 911, reporting Dunn’s condition.
- August 12, shortly after: Officers arrive and find Dunn dead; Ayres is taken into custody.
- August 12 onward: Investigators uncover videos on Ayres’ phone; case reclassified as homicide.
- August 12 (later): Ayres charged with second-degree felony murder and first-degree domestic assault.