Missouri – In a horrifying incident in Missouri, a 28-year-old man, identified as V. Jones, is behind bars after he gunned down a 6-month pregnant woman, identified as C. Rentchler, in her home in front of her young children. Jones has been arrested and now faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, for the brutal slaying of 35-year-old Rentchler and her unborn child.
According to police and court documents, Jones was charged not only with two counts of first-degree murder, but also with armed criminal action, first-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful possession of a handgun. The charges stem from the April 23, 2025, shooting at Rentchler’s home, where Jones had recently begun staying.
Officers from the police department were called to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting. When first responders arrived, they found Rentchler suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the back of her head. Unfortunately, it was already too late to save her. An autopsy later revealed that Rentchler had been in her second trimester of pregnancy, and her death directly resulted in the loss of her unborn child. The medical examiner confirmed both deaths were homicides.
What makes the crime even more heartbreaking is that it happened in full view of five children, all under the age of 10. Police said the children, ages 2 to 10, were in the home when Jones allegedly opened fire. Some of them were Rentchler’s biological children, according to a probable cause affidavit. The eldest child later told investigators that Jones became angry before turning violent and shooting their mother. In an effort to stay alive, the child said they “played dead” while Jones continued his rampage. The child also told police that they overheard Jones asking where their mother was before killing her. The terrifying experience left the young witnesses traumatized but also provided crucial testimony that identified Jones as the shooter.
After the murder, Jones attempted to mislead police by claiming he had been with another person. He denied being involved in the killing and tried to distance himself from the crime. However, investigators quickly determined through interviews that the witness had not been with Jones at the time of the murder. In fact, the witness told police that not only was Jones absent, but he also admitted directly to them that he had killed a woman. This revelation, combined with the children’s accounts, solidified Jones as the prime suspect.
Further investigation revealed that Jones was no stranger to crime. Authorities learned he had a long criminal record, including multiple prior felony convictions. At the time of Rentchler’s murder, Jones had absconded from federal supervised release, making him a fugitive when the fatal shooting occurred. Jones was taken into custody shortly after the investigation and charged with the heinous crimes. He is currently being held while awaiting trial. If convicted of the first-degree murder charges, Jones could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The devastating murder of Rentchler and her unborn child has shattered a family and left five young children motherless. The brutality of the killing and the terror inflicted on the children have shaken the community. As Jones now faces the weight of the legal system, Rentchler’s loved ones and children are left to grieve and attempt to heal from the trauma that unfolded in what should have been the safety of their own home.
