A man has been brought before the court on charges of fatally shooting his wife in front of her children as she attempted to call the police on her phone. Jeri Mains, aged 44, succumbed to her injuries in a hospital after being shot in the driveway of a residence in southeast Indianapolis, Indiana on December 28. Her spouse, Cecil Mains, 47, is facing a murder charge.
According to official documents, Jeri’s children contacted emergency services to report that Cecil had shot their mother before fleeing the scene in his grey Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Cecil Mains, aged 46, was apprehended at a junction in southwest Indianapolis and taken into custody.
Witness statements revealed that earlier that day, Cecil had taken a firearm from a safe upon his arrival at the house. A confrontation ensued between him and Jeri when she returned home, leading to a physical altercation during which Cecil shot Jeri twice, resulting in fatal injuries to her heart, liver, and spine.
Jeri Mains’ brother informed detectives that Cecil had a history of physical abuse towards her and had been asked to leave the family home due to infidelity. The children recounted threats made by Cecil to harm their mother and other family members. Her daughter had even obtained a restraining order against her father on Christmas Day, just days before the tragic incident.
Cecil Mains declined to speak with law enforcement officers upon his arrest, immediately requesting legal representation. He was detained without bail at Marion County jail and appeared in court for a hearing. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Jeri’s four children, aged 19, 17, 14, and 10. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears expressed deep sympathy for the children, acknowledging the profound impact of the case on their lives.
For confidential assistance, individuals can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) provides specialized support and advocacy for those affected by fatal domestic abuse.
