In a tragic case from Indiana, a mother who suffered repeated abuse at the hands of her husband sought legal protection by filing for a restraining order on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, just three days later, she was found dead. Due to the courts being closed for the holiday, the protective order couldn’t be immediately authorized by a judge, as revealed by police and court records.

Their 10-year-old daughter made a heartbreaking call to 911, reporting the death of her mother, Jeri Mains, on a Sunday afternoon. According to a probable cause affidavit shared by local ABC outlet WRTV, the child explained that her father, 46-year-old Cecil Mains, had shot Jeri and fled the scene in a gray Toyota Tundra.

Documents from WRTV and The Indianapolis Star reveal that Jeri filed for the order on Christmas morning, citing domestic violence. Her petition detailed an incident where Cecil allegedly attacked her with kitchen tongs on Christmas Eve, leaving her with cuts and bruises.

Court officials confirmed to Law&Crime the presence of such a petition, though they emphasized its “confidential” status.

The petition, as reported by the IndyStar, highlighted a series of violent episodes involving Cecil Mains. On December 10, he allegedly punched a computer during an argument, spilling hot chocolate on Jeri. Previous incidents included punching her face in November, resulting in a bloody nose and bruising, and breaking her truck’s driver’s side window earlier that year. Additionally, Cecil reportedly threatened the lives of their four children and pets multiple times.

On the day before Christmas, the couple had met in a court parking lot after Jeri informed Cecil of her intention to divorce. According to the petition, Jeri recorded a conversation where Cecil threatened to commit suicide in front of her and their children.

The IndyStar reports that a Marion County judge was unable to see Jeri Mains’ protective order petition because his office was closed from Dec. 24-28.

Police say Cecil Mains shot and killed Jeri Mains in front of their four children, then left her body in the driveway before fleeing in his Tundra. He was arrested the following day after authorities spotted his vehicle and pulled him over.

“These kids have … endured more than any child should,” a GoFundMe description says about the family. The fundraiser describes how Jeri Mains was “tragically taken,” leaving behind a 19-year-old, 17-year-old, 14-year-old and 10-year-old.

“All their lives have changed,” the description says.

Cecil Mains is being held without bond at the Marion County Jail on a preliminary charge of murder.