Man Charged With Estranged Wife’s Murder In Fatal Crash

A fatal motor vehicle crash Oct. 5 has led to the arrest of a Franklin County man for murder.

Donald Pierce, 45, has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of his estranged wife, Jody Pierce, 41, Salem. 

Donald Pierce is slated to go to trial on Thursday for first-degree rape. 

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers responded to the area of 5556 Oak Grove Church Road for a report of a vehicle crash and rescue. 

Upon arrival, they discovered a 1999 Ford Explorer overturned and submerged in a creek. The driver, identified as Jody Pierce, was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, authorities interviewed several witnesses who reported that the victim had been involved in a high-speed chase moments before the crash. According to one witness, she was on the phone with Jody Pierce when she revealed she was being chased Donald A. Pierce. 

Two witnesses also reported seeing Pierce at the crash site, near a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. Investigators later found Pierce's cell phone near the wreckage.

Further investigation revealed that Pierce had fled the scene and drove to another residence. 

A witness confirmed Pierce had arrived at her home shortly after the crash and admitted to being involved in the while driving her Chevrolet. Pierce allegedly left the residence after the conversation and was picked up by an unknown person.

Earlier in the day, a witness said Jody Pierce had dropped her off at her home when Donald Pierce aggressively confronted the victim by jumping into her vehicle and verbally assaulting her. The witness recounted how Pierce attempted to block Jody Pierce’s vehicle with his Chevrolet as she tried to leave the area, escalating the situation. 

Donald Pierce allegedly chased Jody Pierce in a reckless manner, cutting in front of her Ford and eventually causing it to crash.

Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators believe Pierce intentionally struck the victim’s vehicle, causing it to go off the road, hit a tree, overturn and submerge in the creek, leading to her death.

Pierce was apprehended Oct. 6 near Quail Ridge Drive in St. Clair. In an interview with investigators, Pierce admitted to chasing the victim, but denied intentionally hitting her vehicle. 

He stated that he jumped into the creek in an attempt to save her but did not call 911 or law enforcement after the incident.