Kansas City, Missouri — What began as another warm August evening in Kansas City turned into a scene of unimaginable violence and heartbreak when 42-year-old Braisen Cain was brutally killed on August 6, 2025, in what authorities are describing as a targeted and deliberate attack carried out by her ex-boyfriend.
Police say the suspect, 36-year-old Arel Dawkins, struck Cain with his truck before exiting the vehicle and shooting her multiple times. The attack unfolded shortly after midnight in a quiet residential area, leaving neighbors stunned and traumatized.
A Violent End to a Recent Breakup
According to investigators, Cain and Dawkins had recently ended their relationship. Friends of Cain described her as a “strong, independent woman” who had been focusing on her personal happiness and rebuilding her life. Detectives believe the breakup may have triggered Dawkins’ violent actions, though the exact motive is still under investigation.
Authorities confirmed that several witnesses, some armed only with their cell phones, managed to record portions of the horrific scene. The chilling footage, which has not been publicly released, reportedly shows the moments leading up to and following the shooting.
Confession and Arrest
Police said that after the killing, Dawkins fled Kansas City and drove more than 160 miles away to Springfield, Missouri. In the hours that followed, he allegedly confessed to friends and family members about what he had done. Those conversations were later shared with law enforcement and became a key factor in his arrest.
By the afternoon of August 6, Springfield police had located Dawkins and took him into custody without incident. He is currently being held without bond in the Jackson County Detention Center and is facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Cain’s death has left her family and friends devastated. Social media has been flooded with tributes from those who knew her, each one painting the picture of a woman full of life, love, and resilience.
“She was the kind of person who lit up any room she walked into,” one friend wrote. “It’s hard to understand how someone could take her from us in such a cruel way.”
Local advocacy groups against domestic violence have also spoken out, using Cain’s tragic death as a reminder of the deadly consequences that can stem from abusive or controlling relationships.
Ongoing Investigation
While Dawkins has been charged, the Kansas City Police Department and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office continue to investigate the events leading up to the murder. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case aggressively, citing the premeditated nature of the attack and the danger Dawkins posed to the community.
As the legal process moves forward, Cain’s loved ones are left with memories, grief, and the painful reality that their lives have been forever changed. A candlelight vigil is planned for later this week in her honor, where friends, family, and community members will gather to remember her life and call for justice.
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