Bowie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a woman shot her boyfriend early Thursday morning.
According to the Sheriff’s Office press release, around 5:29 a.m. a 911 call was received from a distraught female saying she was being assaulted by her boyfriend and she had just shot him.
Bowie County deputies dispatched to this shooting found a deceased male lying on the floor of the home when they arrived.
Deputies spoke with the female caller who was still at this residence in the 100 block of Parkway. She introduced herself as Tonya Barnett and told deputies the deceased male was her boyfriend Cecil Ellis Jr. According to Ms. Barnett, Mr. Ellis choked her to the point that she passed out while he was assaulting her. She picked up a handgun to protect herself when she regained consciousness.
Mr. Ellis allegedly continued his assault of Ms. Barnett and was shot during the confrontation.
According to the the press release it was obvious to the deputies who arrived on the scene that Mr. Ellis had succumbed to his injuries prior to their arrival.
Judge Nancy Talley ordered Mr. Ellis’ body be sent off for an autopsy. The results of this autopsy are pending. Ms. Barnett sought medical evaluation and treatment for injuries she received during this assault. She was treated and released by a doctor.
According the the release Ms. Barnett has been fully cooperative with investigators during this investigation. No arrests have been as Ms. Barnett’s statement to investigators indicates this could be a case of self-defense.
The investigation into Mr. Ellis’ death is active and ongoing.
