Probable cause: Mount Vernon man choked pregnant woman while on "meth-fentanyl bender"

A 10:30 a.m. Thursday arraignment is scheduled for Eden Anthony Skyler Branson (DOB 1995), Mount Vernon, who allegedly choked a pregnant woman while on a meth and fentanyl bender.

Branson, who was charged with first-degree domestic assault, is being held without bond.

On 09/12/2026 at approximately 1440hrs, I responded to a domestic disturbance in progress at a protected location within Lawrence County, Missouri. Dispatch information indicated an anonymous reporting party reported that a pregnant female was being strangled. 

Upon arrival, I located Eden Branson in the driveway and detained him. Branson was soaked in sweat and breathing rapidly. The female victim, V1, was no longer at the residence and was subsequently located hiding nearby.

Upon locating V1, 1 observed that she was visibly distraught, frightened, and extremely reluctant to speak regarding the incident. I observed visible marks and redness in various stages on the front of VTs neck area of her airway, along with additional redness and marks on other areas of her upper body. 

V1 was approximately 26 weeks pregnant.

Based upon my investigation, I determined Branson had pushed V1 against a wall and strangled her with both hands around her neck. The assault continued after V1 ended up on the ground. During the strangulation, V1 was unable to breathe and believed she was going to die. 

During the assault, V1 attempted to physically defend herself and was able to faintly plead, "Please don't kill me." 

During the strangulation, V1 stated she experienced significant movement from her unborn child.

Branson eventually released his grip, allowing V1 to create distance from him. V1 fled from Branson and hid nearby because she feared for her life. V1 was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

The circumstances reported to dispatch, Branson's condition upon my arrival, V1's flight from the residence, her emotional condition when located, and the physical injuries I personally observed were consistent with and corroborative of the circumstances established during my investigation.

Branson was arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Upon my arrival at the jail, I intended to interview Branson regarding the incident. 

Jail staff advised me Branson was asleep and had told staff that he had been on a "meth & fentanyl bender."

According to the probable cause statement, at the time of the alleged attack, Branson was free on bond for felony domestic assault in Taney County and is on supervised probation for tampering with a motor vehicle and stealing.