An Indiana woman's children frantically called 911 as police say their father shot their mother dead just days after Christmas.
Dispatchers received several calls from Jeri Mains' children on December 28. Mains, 44, died from gunshot wounds, and her estranged husband, Cecil Mains, 47, has been charged with murder, PEOPLE reported.
"My dad is shooting my mom," one child can be heard on a 911 call, according to court documents cited by PEOPLE. Other statements recorded in the calls included, "I'm hiding," "Please help me," "My mom had a restraining order against him" and "I can't live without her".
After allegedly shooting his wife, Cecil Mains fled in a vehicle only to be arrested later by police, PEOPLE reported.
According to the Indy Star, a protective order filed by Jeri Mains on Christmas laid out allegations of domestic violence and threats made by Cecil against her.
The newspaper reported that Cecil had thrown kitchen tongs at her that cut and bruised her arm on Christmas Eve. On December 23, he allegedly had threatened to kill her while the couple was in the parking lot of the Justice Center. Jeri Mains had indicated she wanted a divorce.
The petition also cited an incident in November where Cecil allegedly punched Jeri in the face, an incident in December where he punched her computer, and another incident in which he punched the window of her truck, breaking it. The protective order also cited repeated threats to kill her, the children, and pets, the Indy Star reported.
"Our hearts are broken as we share the loss of a loving mother whose life was tragically taken. Jeri leaves behind four beautiful children—ages 19, 17, 14, and 10—who are now facing an unimaginable future without their mom," states a GoFundMe page set up for the children.
"These kids have already endured more than any child should. Our hope is that they can focus on healing, staying together, and rebuilding their lives with stability and support," the page states. "Any donation—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference. Your kindness, prayers, and support mean more than words can express during this incredibly painful time."
