Indianapolis, Indiana — A 47-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing his wife in front of their four children, just days after she filed a protective order accusing him of domestic abuse.
Cecil Mains was sentenced Monday to 45 years in prison followed by five years of probation for the December 2025 killing of his wife, Jeri Mains, 44.
Court records show that Mains will also have no contact with the couple’s children during his sentence. The case has left the family’s four children, who witnessed the shooting, facing the devastating consequences of their mother’s death.
Children Called 911 After Their Mother Was Shot
According to a probable cause affidavit, Mains shot Jeri with a .380 handgun, striking her in the heart, liver and spine. All four children were at the home when the shooting occurred. They were 19, 16, 14 and 10 years old. The youngest child called 911 during the incident.
“My dad is shooting my mom!” the 10-year-old told the dispatcher, according to the affidavit. The child later said, “I’m hiding,” and told the dispatcher that Jeri had a restraining order against Mains.
“I can’t live without her,” the child said.
Police said the 14-year-old was the first of the children to call 911, followed by the 19-year-old and 16-year-old. Investigators noted there was “a lot of commotion in the background” during the calls.
The 19-year-old told dispatchers:
“My dad just shot my mom. He shot her in the house and in the driveway!”
Wife Filed Protective Order Days Before Killing
The shooting happened only three days after Jeri filed for a protective order against her husband.
Court records indicate Jeri filed the petition on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Because the filing occurred during a holiday period, a judge was unable to review and sign the order immediately because court offices were closed.
The petition described Jeri as a victim of domestic violence and included allegations of physical abuse.
According to the filing, Jeri alleged that Mains assaulted her with kitchen tongs on Christmas Eve, leaving her with a laceration and bruising. Court officials later confirmed that the petition existed but said the document was confidential.
Previous Abuse Allegations Were Also Detailed
The protective-order filing described other alleged incidents involving Mains.
According to reporting cited in court records, Jeri said Mains punched a computer during an argument on Dec. 10, causing a cup of hot chocolate to spill onto her.
She also reportedly alleged that Mains punched her in the face during an argument in November, leaving her with a bleeding nose and bruising.
Another allegation involved Jeri’s truck. Mains was accused of punching out the driver’s-side window earlier in 2025. The petition also alleged that Mains had threatened to kill the couple’s children and pets on multiple occasions.
The probable cause affidavit states that one of the children had previously heard Mains threaten to kill the family.
Marriage Was Breaking Down Before the Shooting
Investigators also spoke with Jeri’s brother, who described growing problems between the couple.
According to the affidavit, Jeri had reportedly discovered that Mains was cheating on her and had asked him to move out of their home. Mains subsequently began living with his brother.
Jeri’s brother also told investigators that she had spoken about Mains being physically abusive toward her, including incidents referenced in her protective-order filing.
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The couple’s relationship continued deteriorating as Jeri sought a divorce.
According to the petition, Jeri met Mains in a court parking lot on Christmas Eve after telling him she wanted to end their marriage. She also alleged that she had recorded a conversation during which Mains threatened to kill himself in front of her and their children.
Mains Fled After the Shooting
After shooting Jeri, Mains allegedly left her body in the driveway and fled in his Toyota Tundra.
Authorities located the vehicle the following day and pulled Mains over before arresting him. Mains later pleaded guilty to murder on Aug. 26.
During Monday’s sentencing, the court ordered that he remain separated from his children while serving his sentence. The court minutes stated that once the children reach adulthood, they may petition the court to have the no-contact orders lifted.
“After age 18, protected persons can petition the court to lift no contact orders,” the court minutes state.
Family Faces a Devastating Future
A GoFundMe description established for the family said the children had experienced more than any child should have to endure.
“These kids have … endured more than any child should,” the description said. “All their lives have changed.”
Mains will now spend decades behind bars for the killing, while Jeri’s four children are left to cope with the loss of their mother and the trauma of witnessing her death.
The case highlights the devastating consequences that domestic violence can have on entire families. Share your thoughts and condolences for Jeri Mains’ children and loved ones in the comments.
