A Savannah man has been charged in connection with the shooting death of his girlfriend on New Year’s at the Amazonia Ball Park.

Jay Patrick Bowman, 21 has been charged in connection with the shooting death of Stephanie Bradberry, 24 of Savannah.  Bowman is charged with first degree murder, second degree murder, armed criminal action, first degree domestic assault and possession of marijuana.

Court documents at 12:12 the Andrew County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call of a female who has been shot at the Ball Field on State Route T.

Andrew County Deputies and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene to find Bradberry dead with a gunshot wound to the head.  Bowman was detained by authorities at the scene.

“Jay advised that the victim was his live in girlfriend and that they had a child in common,” Investigator Grant Gillett with the Andrew County Sheriff’s Dept. said. “Jay went on to say that they had been at the Amazonia VFW Bar and Grill and they both had been drinking alcohol.  They left there and went to a friend’s house where they both used narcotics (marijuana). While at the house Jay stated that they got into an argument and left to go home.  However, while traveling down State Route T heading back to Savannah they continued to argue in the vehicle, that Jay indicated he was operating.  Jay stated that he pulled over at the top of the entrance to the Amazonia Ball Field where he exited the vehicle.   While exiting the vehicle Jay stated that ‘I took my .22 caliber handgun with me to keep her from hurting herself with the gun.’ I told her I was just going to walk home and she could take the vehicle home.”

“Jay stated he walked to the north side of the building where he was standing and his girlfriend came driving the vehicle around the building,” Gillett said. “She stopped the vehicle and got out and they again began to argue verbally and it went into a physical altercation. Jay stated that he still had the gun in his right hand and they started pushing each other and during the altercation the gun went off.”

The documents said when she collapsed to the ground Jay dropped the gun and called 911.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a metal smoking pipe with marijuana residue, marijuana and half a burned marijuana cigarette.

Bowman is being held without bond at the Andrew County Jail.  The investigation continues.