Man Called 911 to Report Partner’s Death. Then Police Found Horrific Videos on His Phone: Court Docs

A Missouri man has been arrested following the tragic death of his partner, Destiny Dunn, whose body was discovered in a hotel room in Columbia last week. The circumstances surrounding her death have raised serious concerns, with police alleging that gruesome evidence was found on the suspect’s phone.

Destiny Dunn, 37, was found deceased with extensive bruising on her body after Nicholas Ayres, her partner, contacted emergency services claiming she had fallen in the shower. This account was disputed by investigators, leading to Ayres’ arrest. He is currently charged with second-degree felony murder and first-degree domestic assault.

When police responded to the emergency call, they were met with a distressing scene. Dunn had visible bruises on her face and neck, with discolouration around her eyelids. In his 911 call, Ayres stated that he and Dunn had engaged in a physical altercation in the shower. He reportedly made a perplexing statement to the dispatcher, suggesting his physical involvement could be misconstrued: “It looks like I f—ing beat her up and I promise to God I didn’t do it.”

Upon investigating further, officers examined Ayres’ phone, where they found a series of graphic videos depicting violent incidents involving Dunn. In one particularly troubling video recorded on 10 August, Ayres was seen repeatedly assaulting Dunn while verbally berating her. He reportedly told her to “clean up her mess” while slapping and punching her.

The video recordings captured the final moments of Dunn’s life as well. In one clip taken early Wednesday, she was found lying motionless in a bathtub. Shortly thereafter, another video surfaced showing her in distress while Ayres was pacing the floor, purportedly considering whether to call for help. In a chilling remark heard in the recording, he is quoted as saying, “I’m not going down for manslaughter.”

Family members of Destiny Dunn have since spoken out about their devastating loss, establishing a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her funeral expenses. The campaign highlights her nurturing nature and the profound impact she had on those around her. “She was a loving, nurturing, and incredibly sweet person. She had a beautiful soul and a heart that cared deeply for the people around her,” the fundraising page reads. Her family has expressed their grief and sorrow over the void her passing has left in their lives.

Nicholas Ayres’ appearance in court on Friday did not include legal representation, as records indicated he had not secured a lawyer at that time. His arraignment marked the beginning of legal proceedings in a case that has understandably attracted media attention and public outcry.

The details surrounding Dunn’s death underline the critical importance of addressing domestic violence. A myriad of resources are available for those affected by such situations. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support, providing ongoing assistance to individuals facing similar crises.

As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Dunn, drawing attention to the urgent need for awareness and action against domestic violence. The case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers some individuals face behind closed doors, prompting calls for greater vigilance and support for those at risk.

Anyone seeking help or support regarding domestic violence is encouraged to reach out to domestic violence hotlines. These services operate 24/7 and can provide the necessary resources and assistance to those in need.

The unfolding of this tragic event serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of domestic violence and the imperative to address this issue within society.