Missouri Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Pregnant Girlfriend and Unborn Child
In Missouri, a 33-year-old man, S. Brewer, was sentenced to two concurrent life terms for the brutal murder of his pregnant 27-year-old girlfriend, B. Toalson, and her unborn child. The tragic incident, which occurred in the presence of Toalson’s two young children, aged 3 and 4, has underscored the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Brewer pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and will serve his sentence in a state correctional facility.
The crime took place on August 1, 2023, when deputies responded to reports of an assault involving a weapon at a residence. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Toalson with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was later confirmed to have been four months pregnant at the time. Witness accounts and doorbell camera footage identified Brewer as the perpetrator, capturing him leaving Toalson’s home with a firearm shortly after the shooting.
Court documents revealed grim details of the events leading to Toalson’s death. During a police interview, Brewer admitted to retrieving a handgun during an argument with Toalson. He confessed to firing the weapon, striking her in the head, and watching her collapse. After the shooting, Brewer hid the firearm under a rock in a nearby creek bed, later guiding investigators to its location.
Brewer, initially charged with capital murder, reached a plea agreement, pleading guilty to second-degree murder. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed additional charges, including two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm. Judge H. Jacobs sentenced Brewer to two concurrent life terms, requiring him to serve at least 85% of a 30-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole under Missouri law.
The plea deal sparked disappointment among Toalson’s family members, who had hoped for harsher penalties. Her mother criticized the agreement and expressed frustration over Brewer’s lack of remorse during sentencing, noting his failure to apologize. Toalson’s cousin also condemned Brewer’s indifferent demeanor, highlighting his history of domestic violence, including prior charges in 2019 and 2021.
The case has left the local community grieving and Toalson’s family struggling to cope with their loss. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to addressing domestic violence, vowing to take stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.