A Missouri man allegedly shot his pregnant girlfriend with a .380 caliber pistol and repeatedly punched her in the stomach after making threats to "kill the baby," according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Background
Nicholas Geary, 19, of Potosi, was involved in what investigators describe as an escalating domestic violence incident with his significant other when he pulled out a firearm and shot her in the back, authorities said. The victim, who was pregnant at the time of the attack, survived the shooting but sustained serious injuries.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Geary had made threats against his girlfriend in the days leading up to the incident, including statements that he would shoot her in the stomach because she was pregnant. Police say the victim reported these threats before the actual shooting occurred.
The investigation revealed that prior to the attack, Geary allegedly made comments about shooting the victim "in the stomach to kill the baby, and then shooting her in the head," according to court documents. This pattern of escalating threats preceded the violent encounter that left the woman with a gunshot wound to her back.
The Investigation
Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene after Geary himself called 911 to report he had shot his girlfriend in self-defense, authorities said. When questioned about what the victim was doing to justify his fear of serious physical injury or death, Geary claimed she was getting out of a truck and that she "is known to carry knives."
The bullet struck the victim in the back and exited her body, according to the affidavit. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound.
Despite the victim's stated desire not to pursue charges against Geary, investigators determined that due to the escalating nature of violence between the domestic partners, formal charges were necessary to ensure the safety of both the victim and her unborn child, court documents state.
Geary has no prior criminal history or previous arrests in Washington County, according to sheriff's office records. He is currently being held at the Washington County Jail without bond following his arrest on multiple felony counts.
Key Takeaways
- Nicholas Geary, 19, of Potosi, Missouri, is charged with attempted murder, domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action
- The victim was shot in the back with a .380 caliber pistol and had been punched repeatedly in the stomach before the shooting, according to police
- Geary allegedly made threats about killing the unborn child days before the shooting incident
- Despite the victim's reluctance to press charges, prosecutors moved forward citing escalating domestic violence concerns
- Geary remains held without bond at Washington County Jail; no prior criminal history
What's Next
Geary is awaiting arraignment on the multiple felony charges filed by Washington County prosecutors. The case is expected to proceed through the Missouri court system where the domestic violence allegations and attempted murder charge will be central to the prosecution's argument. Authorities continue to monitor the victim's condition as the investigation remains active.