N.M. man accused of domestic violence turns himself in after allegedly fatally shooting girlfriend
10/04/2022 12:21 pm PDT
TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man turned himself in after allegedly fatally shooting his 44-year-old girlfriend.
According to the New Mexico State Police, on Sept. 29 at approximately 5 p.m., officers responded to State Road 518 house number 7051 to a report of a female suffering from a gunshot wound. At the scene, authorities reportedly found Brandi Davis deceased outside her home.
The victim’s body was initially discovered by a neighbor’s grandchildren while they were riding their bicycles, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. The children reportedly told their grandfather, and he called state police.
Additionally, police said neighbors heard a gunshot at approximately 3 p.m. on Sept. 29, and the victim’s live-in boyfriend, Jeremiah Rael, fled the scene. Rael eventually turned himself in at around 9 p.m.
Rael was reportedly booked into the Taos County Detention Center on charges of open murder and tampering with evidence.
Prior to the shooting, there was a history of domestic violence at the home between the victim and Rael, according to police.
The affidavit obtained by the Santa Fe New Mexican alleges Rael and Davis had been fighting constantly over the past year. On June 10, Davis reportedly told state police Rael strangled her, hit her, and stole her cellphone.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Rael was charged with aggravated battery against a household member, battery, interference with communication, and driving with a suspended license, but those charges were dismissed in July.
MORE:
TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page for podcasts, exclusive videos, and more, and don’t forget to follow us on TikTok.
