Pregnant Missouri Mother of Five Fatally Run Over and Shot 20 Times; Ex-Boyfriend Charged with Murder

42-year-old Braisen Cain

A pregnant Kansas City mother of five was brutally killed after being run over and shot approximately 20 times, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend.

Authorities have charged 40-year-old Arel Dawkins of Blue Springs, Missouri, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the death of 42-year-old Braisen Cain, a beloved teacher and mother. Police responded to the scene just before 8 a.m. on August 6, where they found Cain lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, Arel Dawkins

According to court documents, Cain had recently ended her relationship with Dawkins. A neighbor told investigators she heard multiple gunshots that morning and saw Dawkins reloading his weapon. She also confirmed Cain was pregnant with Dawkins’ child at the time.

Witnesses and video evidence reportedly showed Dawkins running over Cain with his car before shooting her several times at close range, walking away, and then returning to fire again after reloading. He then fled the scene in his vehicle.

A witness claimed that the two had just broken up, according to reports

Investigators said Dawkins confessed to the killing during phone calls with family members. He was later located in Springfield, Missouri, where he was taken into custody after threatening suicide.

Cain’s death has devastated her family and community. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to provide ongoing support for her five sons. The fundraiser describes Cain as “one of the most loving, kind and caring individuals you could ever meet,” adding that she was adored by her students and colleagues and “always put her boys first.”

Dawkins remains in custody without bond.