Irondale Woman Shot in Face; Boyfriend Charged in Domestic Incident

Irondale, Mo. (KFMO) - Authorities say a woman was shot in the face during a domestic incident in the Irondale area on the morning of Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene, where they found the female victim suffering from what appeared to be a close-range gunshot wound from a .45 caliber handgun. She was transported to a St. Louis area hospital for treatment. Investigators say the victim’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Austin Ely Arron Fenwick, admitted to shooting her. He reportedly told deputies he believed the gun was unloaded when he pointed it at her and pulled the trigger. Detectives also discovered a history of prior domestic incidents between the two, some involving a firearm.

Fenwick was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Domestic Assault in the 2nd Degree, and Armed Criminal Action. He is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.