Man Throws Woman Off Bridge, Sends Her Plunging 38 Feet To Her Death

A 24-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries after being thrown off an overpass by a 31-year-old man in Missouri. The suspect was eventually arrested without injury, the Columbia Police Department said.

Kaylen Ann Schmit was with the accused, Jessie R. Williams on the northbound Highway 63 overpass near Clark Lane when the incident took place Tuesday.

Witnesses told the police about seeing the two "struggling" and recalled the man trying to lift Schmit's leg and throw her over the guard rail, according to KOMU 8.

Williams was "100% no doubt trying to kill her," one witness told the police, according to the probable statement.

Cops responded at around 6:45 p.m. after receiving a report about a person being pushed off the overpass, Columbia Daily Tribune reported.

Schmit had plummeted down 38 feet from the overpass and was found in a wooded area. She sustained critical injuries to her spine and had internal bleeding.

"Officers quickly located the female in a wooded area beneath the highway," said Christian Tabak, department public information officer. "Fire and EMS also responded, and she was transported to University Hospital. She was provided extensive advanced trauma care, but sadly died hours later."

Witnesses were able to provide the police with details about the suspect.

Cops managed to find Williams, who initially resisted before being taken into custody without injury, Tabak added. He was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder.

"Williams was paroled in August for the 2018 stabbing of a homeless man," Tabak said in his statement. "We are so thankful for the witnesses and officers who came forward and came together to get this man into custody."

While speaking to officers, Williams reportedly said he was experiencing "emotional problems" and was arguing with Schmit "for nothing" before throwing her off the bridge.

"Our condolences to Kaylen's friends and family, and our thanks to those who responded to the incident and who helped identify and take custody of suspect Jessie R. Williams, 31, of Columbia," the police department said in an update.

"She was always very happy, she was always very excited to see me. She always gave me these updates about how she was doing. She didn't ask for much, she really didn't," December Harmon, who was a friend of the deceased, told KOMU 8.

"I went through my last text messages with her, and the last thing she text me was tomorrow is my birthday, and I don't know. I wish I had responded or done something now," added the friend.