Incident Summary
On Wednesday night in Springfield, Missouri, Felipe Ayala, 34, allegedly killed his partner Suzette Flores, 47, by bludgeoning her with a hammer in their home garage. Their child called 911 around 11:20 p.m., reporting banging sounds, his mother’s silence, and his fear as Ayala reportedly choked and struck her. Ayala had been paranoid, wielding a knife earlier, and told Flores “you made me do this” during the assault. He threatened the children, who were present, before police arrived two minutes later.
Key Evidence from Affidavit
- Child’s 911 Call: The boy, near the garage, described the attack in real-time: “I hear banging, she is not yelling or nothing anymore… I do not hear her anymore.” He noted ongoing abuse (“They have been doing this forever”) and Ayala approaching.
- Police Observations: Officers saw blood droplets on Ayala indicating high-velocity impact. In the garage, Flores lay with skull fragments, brain matter, and a bloodied hammer nearby.
- Neighbor Witness: Heard screams (“please stop”), saw Ayala pacing and hammering downward motions for 15-20 minutes with the garage open.
Charges and Aftermath
Ayala faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges; he’s held without bond awaiting court. A GoFundMe supports Flores’ children, highlighting her devotion as a mother and grandmother robbed of her future.
This case underscores the tragedy of domestic violence witnessed by children—Springfield Police affidavits like this often lead to swift arrests based on immediate evidence. If you’re following Missouri crime news or need resources on local DV support (e.g., Greene County services), let me know for more details.
