Texarkana Woman Tonya Barnett Arrested After BF Found In Pool Of Blood Shot Dead

Texarkana Woman, Tonya Barnett, has been named as the suspect after a man was found shot dead in a Bowie County, TX., residence.

Bowie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after they say Barnett shot her boyfriend, Cecil Ellis Jr., early Thursday morning.

According to the Sheriff’s Office press release, around 5:29 a.m. a 911 call was received from a distraught female saying she was being assaulted by her boyfriend and she had just shot him.

Bowie County deputies dispatched to this shooting found a deceased male lying on the floor of the home when they arrived.

Deputies spoke with the female caller who was still at this residence in the 100 block of Parkway. She introduced herself as Tonya Barnett and told deputies the deceased male was her boyfriend Cecil Ellis Jr. According to Ms. Barnett, Mr. Ellis choked her to the point that she passed out while he was assaulting her. She picked up a handgun to protect herself when she regained consciousness. source

Mr. Ellis allegedly continued his assault of Ms. Barnett and was shot during the confrontation.

According to the the press release it was obvious to the deputies who arrived on the scene that Mr. Ellis had succumbed to his injuries prior to their arrival.

The investigation into Mr. Ellis’ death is active and ongoing.