Authorities are intensifying their search for Mychel Stowers, 36, a Minnesota man on parole for a previous murder conviction, now charged with the killing of his pregnant wife, Damara Alexis Kirkland, 35. The tragic incident occurred on Oct. 19 when Kirkland was found deceased by police who were called to the scene following reports of gunfire. Discovered alongside her body were ultrasound images and a letter addressed to Stowers, highlighting the personal nature of this devastating act.
This latest charge against Stowers comes after his release from prison in March. He had served time for the second-degree murder of a St. Paul man back in 2008. At the time of the shooting, Stowers was participating in a work-release program and residing at a halfway house; however, he had been granted permission to visit what is described as his ex-wife on that fatal day.
Adding to the complexity of this case is the fact that Stowers initiated divorce proceedings in June, though records suggest these were not finalized. The apartment where Kirkland was living—and ultimately died—was subject to eviction due to violations stated by the owner regarding residency permissions.
The situation escalated further when, minutes after Kirkland's death was reported, police were dispatched to a nearby location where a carjacking left another man seriously injured. The victim identified his assailant as matching Stowers' description—a confrontation that resulted not only in injury but also saw the perpetrator fleeing with the victim's vehicle.
Forensic analysis has since linked the firearm used in both this carjacking and Kirkland's death as being one and the same. Later on the day of these crimes, Stowers himself contacted authorities claiming responsibility for an unspecified shooting and expressing an intent to surrender—a promise yet unfulfilled as he remains at large.
The discovery of the stolen vehicle abandoned in a parking lot marks one of few leads law enforcement have publicly disclosed as they continue their pursuit of Stowers.
As this investigation unfolds, it sheds light not only on the tragic loss experienced by those close to Damara Alexis Kirkland but also raises questions about parole oversight and public safety measures within our communities.
This latest charge against Stowers comes after his release from prison in March. He had served time for the second-degree murder of a St. Paul man back in 2008. At the time of the shooting, Stowers was participating in a work-release program and residing at a halfway house; however, he had been granted permission to visit what is described as his ex-wife on that fatal day.
Adding to the complexity of this case is the fact that Stowers initiated divorce proceedings in June, though records suggest these were not finalized. The apartment where Kirkland was living—and ultimately died—was subject to eviction due to violations stated by the owner regarding residency permissions.
The situation escalated further when, minutes after Kirkland's death was reported, police were dispatched to a nearby location where a carjacking left another man seriously injured. The victim identified his assailant as matching Stowers' description—a confrontation that resulted not only in injury but also saw the perpetrator fleeing with the victim's vehicle.
Forensic analysis has since linked the firearm used in both this carjacking and Kirkland's death as being one and the same. Later on the day of these crimes, Stowers himself contacted authorities claiming responsibility for an unspecified shooting and expressing an intent to surrender—a promise yet unfulfilled as he remains at large.
The discovery of the stolen vehicle abandoned in a parking lot marks one of few leads law enforcement have publicly disclosed as they continue their pursuit of Stowers.
As this investigation unfolds, it sheds light not only on the tragic loss experienced by those close to Damara Alexis Kirkland but also raises questions about parole oversight and public safety measures within our communities.
