Thomas A. Welch, 31, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery, and aggravated kidnapping after allegedly attacking his girlfriend in Illinois around New Year’s Eve 2025. The victim suffered a severe head wound exposing her skull, jumped from his moving vehicle at about 20 mph to escape, and sought help from a neighbor in Kirksville, covered in blood.​
Incident Details
The assault began near Mattoon when Welch, driving with the woman and friend Cody Kimery, argued with her, struck her head with an object, threatened to kill her, and prevented her escape despite her screams. Dashcam footage from Welch’s impounded truck captured him saying, “I’m going to have to kill her bro,” and physically forcing her back inside as they drove across counties. She jumped out near Kirksville around 1 a.m. on December 31, leaving behind bloodied items like a scarf with her hair.​
Victim’s Condition and Arrest
At Sarah Bush Lincoln hospital, the woman received staples for her forehead laceration—deep enough to expose bone—plus treatment for neck bruising from choking and facial swelling; she faces likely permanent scarring. Deputies arrested Welch last week; he remains in Moultrie County Jail without bond, formally charged Tuesday. Kimery, 33, faces unlawful restraint for helping restrain her.​
