Man who claimed self-defense admits role in fatal shooting of pregnant partner

A Missouri man who claimed he fatally shot his pregnant girlfriend in self-defense has pleaded guilty under an Alford plea to the killings of her and her unborn twins, bringing a case that was set for trial to an abrupt conclusion.

Darryl Tyson Jr., 41, entered the plea on June 2 to three counts of second-degree murder and one count of second-degree domestic assault in connection with the October 2024 death of BreAnna Johnson and her unborn children.

Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to likely secure a conviction at trial.

Johnson, 28, was four months pregnant with twins when she was found fatally shot inside her Wentzville, Missouri home on Oct. 31, 2024. Her two young sons — then just 6 months and 17 months old — were inside the home at the time but were not physically harmed.

Prosecutors initially charged Tyson with first-degree murder, but he ultimately pleaded to three counts of second-degree murder: one for Johnson and one for each unborn child.

Authorities said the case against Tyson was strengthened by forensic evidence that contradicted his claim of self-defense. Investigators stated Johnson had been shot five times in the back, with autopsy findings suggesting she was falling or already on the ground when at least some of the bullets struck her.

“That takes away her being in a threatening position for his self-defense claim,” St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph McCulloch told local media.

Tyson’s defense attorney said he initially told investigators he believed Johnson was facing him when he fired, but later revised that account after reviewing autopsy evidence. “After much consideration, he decided entering a plea was in his best interest,” attorney Raphael Morris said.

Tyson was sentenced to 30 years in prison on the murder charges and seven years for domestic assault, to be served concurrently. Under Missouri law, he must serve at least 85% of his sentence—more than 25 years—before becoming eligible for parole.

The case had been scheduled to go to trial this week before the plea was entered.

Johnson’s family attended the sentencing hearing, where her mother said she wanted to witness accountability in person, calling the outcome a form of justice for her daughter.

Johnson’s surviving children are now in the care of her father, according to officials.