by KIRKSVILLE, Ill. — A 31-year-old Illinois man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say his girlfriend suffered a horrifying head injury so severe it exposed her skull while she attempted to flee from him by jumping out of a moving vehicle late last year.
Prosecutors allege the violent domestic incident unfolded during an argument that escalated into threats, physical assault and an hours-long ordeal that ended with the bloodied victim running for help in the middle of the night.
Violent Argument Escalates During Late-night Drive
According to court records, Thomas A. Welch has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated domestic battery, and kidnapping in connection with the Dec. 31 incident. Deputies with the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office were called around 1 a.m. after a woman, covered in blood, ran to a residence in Kirksville seeking help.
The victim told deputies she had jumped from a moving car traveling about 20 mph in a desperate attempt to escape Welch, her boyfriend. She said the incident began roughly an hour earlier while riding in a vehicle in the Mattoon area with Welch and another man, 33-year-old Cody Kimery.
Investigators say an argument between the couple turned violent, with Welch allegedly threatening to kill the woman before stopping the car and striking her in the head with an object. The blow caused a deep laceration that left her bleeding heavily.
Victim Allegedly Held Against Her Will
Authorities say the victim begged to be let out of the vehicle, but Welch — who was driving — and Kimery refused to let her leave and physically prevented her from exiting the car.
Court documents allege the men continued driving for about an hour while the woman repeatedly pleaded to get out. Fearing for her life, she ultimately leapt from the moving vehicle and ran to a nearby home for help.
A neighbor, Jeremiah Seaman, described the chilling moment he saw her arrive.
“I see this girl walking out of the mist, coming out and walking in the mist,” Seaman told WCIA. “And she was covered head to toe in blood.”
Seaman immediately called 911.
Skull-exposing Injury, Hospital Treatment
First responders transported the woman to a hospital, where medical staff discovered the cut on her forehead was so deep that her skull was visible. She required staples to close the wound, according to the arrest affidavit.
Deputies later located Welch and his vehicle, which reportedly contained a dashcam. Investigators say the footage captured Welch and Kimery forcing the victim to remain inside the car as she repeatedly begged to be released.
At one point, Welch was allegedly heard saying to Kimery:
“I’m going to have to kill her bro.”
Multiple Arrests, Serious Charges
Welch was arrested last week and is currently being held at the Moultrie County Jail without bond. Kimery has also been charged, facing unlawful restraint for his alleged role in preventing the woman from escaping.
Authorities have not released further details about the object used in the assault or whether additional charges could be filed as the case moves forward.
Public Safety And Domestic Violence Concerns
Law enforcement officials say the case underscores the extreme dangers of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help immediately when threats or physical abuse occur. Victims are urged to contact emergency services or local domestic violence hotlines if they believe their safety is at risk.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the felony case against Welch.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available through local resources and national hotlines. Immediate danger should always be reported to 911.
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