Missouri man ran over estranged wife who threatened to "tell all" in rape trial

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — A Missouri man is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, after allegedly forcing his estranged wife off the road, resulting in a fatal crash. Authorities say the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when Donald A. Pierce Jr., 45, chased a vehicle driven by Jody Pierce, 41, on Oak Grove Church Road before it overturned and submerged in a creek.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Pierce was driving a borrowed 2009 Chevy Impala when he pursued Jody Pierce’s 1999 Ford Explorer. Highway patrol officers who responded to reports of a crash at approximately 4:30 p.m. found the SUV overturned and submerged in the water. Jody Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members told local CBS affiliate KMOV that the estranged couple had been living separately for three months. Jody Pierce had recently returned to the area to celebrate her daughter’s birthday.

The victim’s relatives also claimed that Jody was preparing to testify against Donald Pierce in an upcoming rape trial, alleging that the suspect deliberately caused the crash to prevent her from doing so.

Pierce is currently in custody at the Franklin County Jail, facing charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and child neglect. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence surrounding the circumstances of the crash.

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