A Missouri motel death investigation has taken a disturbing turn after police say a man who called 911 to report a woman in distress was later charged with murder when investigators allegedly discovered troubling videos on his cellphone.
Nicholas Anthony Ayres, 35, is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree domestic assault in connection with the death of 37-year-old Destiny Dunn at the By The Way Motel in Columbia, Missouri.
Police responded to the motel on August 12 after Ayres called emergency dispatchers at approximately 3:22 p.m. According to court documents cited by local media, Ayres allegedly told the dispatcher that Dunn appeared “blue.” First responders arrived and found Dunn dead with numerous bruises across her body. Investigators considered the circumstances suspicious and later classified the death as a homicide.
The case reportedly took an even darker turn when detectives examined Ayres’ cellphone.
Court documents allege investigators discovered videos and photographs showing Dunn in the hours leading up to her death. Police say one recording appeared to show Ayres physically assaulting her, while other footage allegedly documented her deteriorating condition.
One particularly disturbing video was reportedly recorded about three hours before Ayres eventually called for emergency assistance. Authorities allege that in the footage, Ayres talked about calling 911 because he feared facing a manslaughter charge while Dunn was barely responsive. Investigators say he placed a call at that time but allegedly described it as an accidental dial.
Ayres reportedly acknowledged that he and Dunn had fought during the previous two days but allegedly maintained that any injuries were accidental and denied intentionally abusing her.
He appeared in Boone County court on August 14 and was being held without bond. A bond hearing was scheduled for August 20, followed by a preliminary hearing on September 2.
The disturbing allegations and alleged cellphone evidence are now central to the prosecution’s case.
Ayres has been charged, but the accusations against him remain allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
