Missouri Woman Shoots Boyfriend Dead After Claiming He Attacked Her With Pepper Spray That Didn’t Exist, Police Say

MINERAL POINT, MISSOURI — A 20-year-old Missouri woman who told police her boyfriend attacked her with pepper spray and a shotgun before she shot him dead is now charged with first-degree murder — after investigators say her story fell apart.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Josie Reed on October 3 following a fatal shooting at a residence in Mineral Point, about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis.

When deputies arrived, they found a 30-year-old man dead from a gunshot wound. Reed, who called 911 to report the shooting, claimed the man had choked her unconscious three times and pepper-sprayed her before she shot him with his own pistol in self-defense.

Story Falls Apart During Police Interview

Investigators said Reed told them her boyfriend became “irate” and physically violent during an argument that night. She claimed she grabbed his pistol and fired twice, thinking she missed the first time, before allegedly seeing him reach for a shotgun.

“She told officers he had attacked her and that she shot him to save her life,” police said in the affidavit.

However, when detectives examined the scene, they found no evidence of the attack Reed described.

“Reed showed us markings on her body,” investigators wrote, “but none were consistent with being choked.”

Police also noted there was no pepper spray anywhere in the home and no gunshot residue on the victim’s hands — contradicting her claim that he had fired a weapon.

Suspect Offered Multiple Versions of Events

According to court documents, Reed gave police several conflicting stories during questioning.

At one point, she told investigators that she was a witness in a firearms case and that her boyfriend “would not allow her to come forward” with information.

When pressed for more details, she changed her account again, offering no evidence to support her claims.

Authorities concluded that Reed’s statements were inconsistent and fabricated, ultimately charging her with multiple felony counts.

Facing Multiple Felony Charges

Reed was arrested and charged with:

• First-degree murder
• Two counts of armed criminal action
• Unlawful use of a weapon
• Domestic assault

She is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Jail on a $1 million cash bail, according to court records. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 14.

This disturbing case underscores how false self-defense claims can unravel under investigation. For continuing updates on major crime stories and police reports nationwide, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.