KANSAS CITY, MO – A Blue Springs man faces charges after authorities say he ran over his pregnant ex-girlfriend before shooting her more than 20 times in a deadly attack that unfolded last week on the city’s east side.
Arel Dawkins, 42, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Braisen Cain, authorities announced. Police said the incident occurred Wednesday in the 4000 block of Morrell Avenue, not long after Cain had reportedly ended her relationship with Dawkins. Investigators say Cain was pregnant with Dawkins’ child at the time of her death.
Court documents outline a violent sequence in which Dawkins is accused of firing at least 21 rounds from a .40 caliber handgun during the assault. Witnesses told investigators they saw Dawkins strike Cain with his vehicle and then shoot her repeatedly as she lay on the ground. One neighbor captured portions of the attack on cellphone video, police said.
Video reviewed by detectives allegedly shows Dawkins behind the wheel of a Ford F-150 when he hit Cain, leaving the vehicle rolling backward as he exited the driver’s seat. Police say the footage then shows Dawkins pointing a firearm at Cain and opening fire at close range.
After his initial volley of gunfire, police say Dawkins stepped into the street and fired additional rounds at Cain. The probable cause statement notes Dawkins paused at one point, reloaded the gun, and continued shooting.
Investigators learned that Dawkins called several friends and family members immediately after the shooting, allegedly confessing to the violence. In one recorded conversation with a longtime acquaintance, Dawkins is said to have admitted running over and shooting Cain, according to the court filing.
Family members of Dawkins also contacted 911 around the time of the incident, telling dispatchers he had confessed and made statements about possibly ending his own life, authorities said.
Using cellular phone tracking, officers located Dawkins later in Springfield, Missouri. He was taken into custody without incident and later identified by witnesses through a photographic lineup, police said.
Dawkins is being held without bond in Greene County Jail. Formal charges also include using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Court records do not yet list a defense attorney for Dawkins.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials have not released a possible motive beyond stating that the victim and suspect had recently separated. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward as the prosecution proceeds.