A manhunt is currently underway for Mychel Stowers, a Minnesota man who was recently paroled for murder but is now accused of killing his pregnant wife. Stowers, 36, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, Damara Alexis Kirkland, who was two months pregnant.
The tragic incident occurred on October 19 when officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Kirkland’s lifeless body in their apartment. Ultrasound photos and a letter addressed to Stowers were discovered at the scene, adding to the heartbreaking nature of the crime.
Stowers had been released on parole in March after serving time for a previous second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of a man in St. Paul back in 2008. Despite being on work release and living in a halfway house, he had been granted a pass to visit his ex-wife, who was Kirkland, on the day of the shooting.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that Kirkland’s estranged husband was living with her in the apartment, even though he was not on the lease, leading to their impending eviction. Shortly after Kirkland’s murder, another violent incident involving Stowers occurred when a nearby carjacking took place, resulting in a man being shot and his vehicle stolen.
Following these incidents, Stowers allegedly contacted an employee from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that he had shot someone and wanted to turn himself in. However, he has not yet surrendered to authorities, and the stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in a parking lot.
The search for Stowers continues as law enforcement officers work diligently to bring him to justice for the senseless and tragic acts he has been accused of committing. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that may lead to his apprehension.
As this manhunt unfolds, it is a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when individuals with violent criminal histories are released back into society. The need for effective rehabilitation and monitoring programs for parolees is evident, as tragedies like this highlight the potential risks involved when individuals reenter communities without proper support and supervision.
