Avilla man charged with assaulting girlfriend

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed three felony domestic assault charges today against an Avilla man who allegedly beat his girlfriend, punched her in the stomach and told her "I'm going to kill that baby."

Jasper County Circuit Court records do not show any arrest warrant issued for Corey David Branstetter (DOB 1989).

The allegations against Branstetter are detailed in the probable cause statement:

On April 9, 2025, at approximately 1154 hours, Deputy Deras #350 responded to 651 Elm Street in Avilla, Missouri 64833, in reference to a 911 call reporting an active physical domestic disturbance. The caller later identified as Victim 1, advised dispatch that she was being assaulted.

During the call, which remained open, Victim 1 could be heard yelling that she was being hit, and a male voice— later identified as Corey Branstetter—was heard stating, “No one will help you.”

Upon arrival, Victim 1 reported that Branstetter, with whom she is in an ongoing romantic relationship, had physically assaulted her by punching her in the head, placing his hands around her neck restricting her airflow to the point she believed she was going to lose consciousness, and punching her in the stomach while stating, “I’m going to kill that baby,” knowing she is allegedly pregnant.

Victim 1 exhibited visible signs of injury, including redness and scratches to her neck, a small laceration on her right forearm, and redness to her abdominal area. Victim 1 was transported to the hospital to be seen by medical. Branstetter fled the scene on foot prior to law enforcement arrival and was not located despite an area search.