Kirksville, IL – An Illinois resident faces serious charges, including attempted murder, following a New Year’s Eve incident where his girlfriend was left seriously injured. The woman, in a bid to escape after enduring violent assault, jumped from a moving vehicle.
On the early hours of January 1, Thomas A. Welch, 31, was arrested after law enforcement officers were summoned to a scene where a woman, blood-soaked and injured, sought refuge at a residence in Kirksville, a quiet Moultrie County town.
The events unfolded while the victim was traveling with Welch and another individual, Cody Kimery, near Mattoon. Apparently, an argument between the woman and Welch escalated dramatically within the confines of the vehicle, culminating in Welch allegedly hitting her with a blunt object on the head, which according to medical professionals, was severe enough to expose part of her skull.
The victim, despite her severe condition and pleas to be let out, was reportedly kept inside the moving vehicle for nearly an hour by Welch and Kimery. The drive continued under distress until the car slowed sufficiently for her to make a desperate escape at about 20 mph.
Finding her way to the nearest house, the severely injured woman was aided by a homeowner who promptly called for emergency services. Responding deputies and medical teams provided first aid before she was taken to a local hospital where she required multiple staples to close the head wound.
Further investigation into the incident led detectives to Welch’s vehicle, where a dashboard camera was found. The footage supported the woman’s account, showing both men repeatedly denying her pleas to exit the car and capturing Welch issuing grave threats towards Kimery about potentially killing the victim.
Both Welch and Kimery were subsequently taken into custody. While Welch is charged with attempted murder, aggravated domestic battery, and kidnapping, Kimery has been charged with unlawful restraint.
Currently, Thomas Welch is being held without bond at the Moultrie County Jail as further evidence is reviewed and preparations are underway for upcoming court proceedings. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains in recovery following the ordeal, highlighting a troubling instance of domestic violence as the new year began.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the incident, as the community reels from the shocking outbreak of violence. The use of dashboard camera footage is particularly notable in this case, providing critical evidence that may prove pivotal in the ensuing legal actions. This incident serves as another grave reminder of the potential perils of domestic situations escalating into violence.