A Potosi, Missouri man is being held without bond after authorities say he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, threatened her unborn child, and shot her in the back during a domestic dispute.
Nicholas Geary, born in 2006, faces charges of attempted murder, domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action following the incident. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting was the culmination of a domestic violence incident between Geary and his significant other.
A press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office outlined a history of tension leading up to the gunfire.
“The victim reported that her boyfriend had threatened to shoot her in the days leading up to the incident,” the office stated. “This included the boyfriend making threats to shoot her in the stomach due to her being pregnant. On the day of the shooting, the suspect struck the victim in the stomach and shot her in the back.”
According to the probable cause affidavit, Geary called 911 himself to report the shooting, claiming he acted in self-defense. “When inquired what the victim was doing to place him in fear of serious physical injury or death, the defendant stated that she was getting out of the truck and is known to carry knives,” the affidavit noted.
Investigators say Geary admitted to firing multiple rounds from a .380 pistol. The affidavit further detailed previous statements allegedly made by the suspect, noting that the victim told police Geary had earlier commented “about shooting her in the stomach to kill the baby, and then shooting her in the head.”
The victim was transported to a local hospital where she received treatment for a gunshot wound that entered and exited her back. While she indicated to police that she did not want to pursue criminal charges against Geary, law enforcement moved forward with the prosecution. The affiant stated in the court documents that due to the “escalating violence between the domestic partners, it is the belief of the affiant that charges are necessary to ensure safety of the victim and her unborn child.”
Records indicate that Geary has no prior criminal history or arrests. He remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.
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