A Missouri assistant fire chief has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, felony harassment, domestic assault, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence in connection with his wife's death. Jeremy Perrien, 45, was taken into custody Friday at Fire Station Four in Scott County, concluding a 14-month investigation.
Perrien had initially told authorities that his wife, Shelby Perrien, 31, shot herself in the head with a .380 caliber handgun on June 25, 2025, while they were driving home from a bar. He claimed the ride was non-argumentative, though he later admitted to stopping to urinate.
However, investigators uncovered a hidden folder on Shelby Perrien's cellphone containing a 90-second video recorded approximately one month before her death. According to an affidavit, the video shows Jeremy Perrien striking his wife, choking her, and repeatedly punching her. During the recording, he allegedly made threats to kill her, stating, "I want to kill you so f------ bad right now." He also reportedly said, "If you’re going to lie, then I’m just going to smash your face and go to jail and end my f------ life with you." In another part of the exchange, he allegedly threw his wedding band at her and said, "I'm never wearing that son a b---- again."
Authorities also recovered disturbing text messages from Jeremy Perrien. In one, he allegedly wrote, "You 100% will need a body bag if I stay with you. Each time my rage is worse." Another message stated, "I'd be lying to you if I told you that I was hoping that you wouldn't commit suicide."
Forensic analysis of blood spatter and other physical evidence found inside the vehicle led state police to conclude that it was impossible for Shelby Perrien to have fired the weapon herself. This evidence contradicted Jeremy Perrien's account.
Perrien is currently being held without bond at the Stoddard County Jail. Scott County Sheriff Derick Wheetley, who stated he knew both Jeremy and Shelby Perrien and had worked with Jeremy previously, expressed his commitment to finding the truth. The Scott County Rural Fire Department has been contacted for comment. It is unclear if Perrien has secured legal representation.