Metro Transit Security Officer Indicted on Triple Murder Charges in Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Girlfriend
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — A Metro Transit security officer has been indicted on three counts of first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn twins.
The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that a grand jury returned an indictment against 40-year-old Darryl K. Tyson Jr. on December 18. He faces three counts each of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, as well as one count of second-degree domestic assault.
The incident occurred on October 31 when Wentzville police responded to a home in the 100 block of Katie Lynn Court. Officers found Tyson’s girlfriend shot in a hallway near the bathroom. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Two children present in the home were unharmed.
Claims of Self-Defense Contradicted by Evidence
According to a probable cause statement, Tyson claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that his girlfriend had pointed a rifle at him.
He said he retrieved a gun from his hoodie pocket and fired three shots at her abdomen. However, investigators discovered significant discrepancies in his account.
An autopsy revealed that the victim had been shot five times, including four times in the back—contradicting Tyson’s statement that she was facing him.
Police also uncovered evidence of tampering with home surveillance footage and a history of domestic violence incidents.
Medical records and photographs documented severe abuse the victim had endured, including a video showing Tyson forcing open a door she had locked and assaulting her.
A domestic violence report from January 2023 detailed extensive injuries she attributed to Tyson, including bruises, lacerations, and swollen eyes.
Prior Domestic Assault Charge
Shortly after the shooting, Tyson was charged with second-degree domestic assault related to an earlier incident in which he allegedly threw a phone at his girlfriend, striking her in the head. Initially held on a $500,000 bond, Tyson’s bond was raised to $1 million following the grand jury’s indictment.
The prosecutor’s office noted that Tyson “engaged in a pattern of abuse” and “shot the victim in a reckless manner while his children were present.” One of the bullets fired during the incident penetrated the neighboring home, further highlighting the danger.
Metro Transit Employment and Community Response
At the time of the shooting, Tyson was employed as a security officer with Metro Transit. The transit agency has not commented on his current employment status.
Community organizations have emphasized the importance of resources for survivors of domestic violence. Local programs like Safe Connections, YWCA St. Louis, and the Kathy Weinman Shelter offer crisis intervention and support for those experiencing abuse.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) provide 24/7 confidential assistance to those in need.
Tyson remains in custody as he awaits trial.
