Pregnant Mom of Two Tragically Killed in Heartbreaking Domestic Incident While Expecting Twins
(National Gun Violence Memorial)
The family of BreAnna Johnson, a 28-year-old mother, says she was four months pregnant with twins when she was tragically killed by the father of her children, Darryl Tyson Jr. Johnson, who celebrated her birthday on October 4, was described as a loving mother with a bright future ahead of her. “16 weeks pregnant with twins,” said Janette Giddens, Johnson’s grieving mother.
“There were photos that I shared with detectives of brutal beatings that she took from him.” Wentzville police 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 expects murder charges to follow.
“She was shot five times in her back… He is a coward because you took her away from her children,” said Dr. Cynthia Bennett, CEO of Journey Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse (JADASA), a group that had been assisting Johnson in the months leading up to her death. “It was a dark day because she was a beautiful young girl. We just tried to help her. She just felt like he had a grip on her,” Bennett explained.
The tragedy occurred just 24 hours after police responded to a domestic dispute at Johnson’s home, where Tyson was accused of physically assaulting her by striking her in the head with a phone. On October 31, Johnson’s mother’s worst fears became reality. “It hurts me that I no longer will be able to wrap my arms around her, kiss her on the forehead, tell her I love her,” Giddens said tearfully told FOX 2 Now.
Johnson leaves behind two young sons, 17-month-old Messiah and 6-month-old Jeremiah. Giddens hopes her daughter’s story will serve as a powerful warning to others facing domestic violence. “The very first red flag, don’t ignore it,” she urged. “Don’t think that it’s going to get better. Don’t ever think that it won’t happen to you.”
The family, along with JADASA, is advocating for the passage of “BreAnna’s Law,” a proposed registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. “It’s a wake-up call because BreAnna is one too many,” said Bennett. “She should still be here today. She’s forever 28.” A GoFundMe has been established to support Johnson’s young sons. JADASA continues to offer support and resources for victims of domestic violence at www.jadasa.org or by calling 314-269-0100.
