The family of BreAnna Johnson, a 28-year-old mother, says she was four months pregnant with twins when her life was tragically cut short by the father of her children, Darryl Tyson Jr. Johnson, who celebrated her birthday on October 4, was remembered as a loving mother with a bright future ahead. “16 weeks pregnant with twins,” shared Janette Giddens, Johnson’s grieving mother.
“There were photos I shared with detectives showing the brutal beatings she endured from him.” Wentzville police have confirmed they are seeking additional charges against Tyson, 39, who is currently held on $500,000 cash-only bail for assault-related charges. The family anticipates murder charges will follow.
“She was shot five times in her back… He is a coward for taking her away from her children,” said Dr. Cynthia Bennett, CEO of Journey Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse (JADASA), an organization that had been supporting Johnson in the months leading up to her death. “It was a dark day because she was a beautiful young woman. We just tried to help her. She felt like he had a hold on her,” Bennett added.
The tragedy struck just 24 hours after police responded to a domestic dispute at Johnson’s home, where Tyson was accused of physically assaulting her by hitting her in the head with a phone. On October 31, Johnson’s mother’s worst fears came true. “It hurts me that I will never again be able to wrap my arms around her, kiss her on the forehead, and tell her I love her,” Giddens tearfully told FOX 2 Now.