Brandi Mathews murder was a sad event that showed how domestic violence can hurt people.

She was a young mother who dreamt of breaking free from an abusive relationship and experienced an unforeseen and sorrowful destiny.

In September 2006, she disappeared, leaving her family and friends overwhelmed with sadness. 

The distressing mystery persisted for two long years, intensifying the heartbreak for those who cared about her. 

Eventually, her remains were found, unraveling a deeply troubling story of mistreatment and neglect.

The discovery exposed the harsh reality that Brandi had endured, illuminating the hardships she faced during those two mysterious years.

Let’s look at her story, fostering awareness about the complexities of abusive relationships 

and the need for support systems to protect vulnerable people.

Upcoming Episode of Murder in the Heartland: “Mother’s Intuition”

The episode of Murder in the Heartland titled “Mother’s Intuition” delved into the shocking details surrounding the murder of 25-year-old Brandi Mathews in 2006.

Brandi, an erotic dancer in Osage Beach, had been saving money to escape her abusive boyfriend and provide a better life for her son.

However, she had gone missing for over two years after moving her son to live with his grandmother in Arkansas.

The episode, which aired on Investigation Discovery, explored the relentless pursuit of justice by Brandi’s mother and the discovery of her remains.

Who was Brandi Mathews?

Brandi Mathews, a 25-year-old mother to Caleb Mathews, pursued a career as an erotic dancer at a local club in Osage Beach. 

Despite facing challenges in her personal life, including an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Kelly Simino.

Brandi worked in this profession. Her job as an erotic dancer indicated her commitment to supporting herself and her son, Caleb.

Working in the entertainment industry, Brandi’s career choice frequently involves performing in a voluptuous or adult-acquainted setting.

While her particular life circumstances were delicate, her career path reflected her determination to give to her family.

The challenges she encountered, both in her profession and personal life.

An abusive relationship with Kelly Simino

Brandi Mathews resided with her boyfriend, Kelly Simino, in Osage Beach’s Barnett area.

When they faced a troubled and abusive relationship, Brandi’s mother, Deanna Roberts, took action by reporting multiple instances of domestic abuse involving Simino. 

Recognizing the severity of the situation, in August 2006, Brandi courageously filed a restraining order against Simino, expressing genuine fears for her life.

A devoted mother, Brandi had a son named Caleb Mathews. 

Despite the challenges, she was determined to create a safer environment for her child. 

Saving up diligently, Brandi harbored dreams of breaking free from the harmful relationship with Simino, envisioning a future where she and Caleb could escape the cycle of abuse.

Negligence by the Local Police

Despite the numerous complaints about domestic abuse and the restraining order filed by Brandi Mathews against her boyfriend, Kelly Simino.

The local police did not take effective action to protect her. 

After Brandi went missing, her mother, Deanna Roberts, faced immense challenges.

She tried to discover her daughter’s whereabouts for two agonizing years, receiving minimal assistance from the police.

The turning point in the search for Brandi occurred when Deanna reached out directly to the Osage Beach Police Department.

Only then did the case receive attention from detectives. 

This marked a significant failure in law enforcement, highlighting the system’s shortcomings in protecting victims of domestic violence. 

The delay in responding to Brandi’s case underscored the urgent need for improved protocols and sensitivity when dealing with such situations.

Partial remains were discovered after three years

In 2009, while hiking in Eldon, a rural area in Miller County, observant hikers made a chilling discovery—skeletal remains were found on a creek bed beneath a bridge. 

These remains, later identified as belonging to Brandi Mathews, became a crucial turning point in the unresolved case. 

DNA samples from the skeletal remains were compared to Brandi’s dental records, confirming her identity.

The autopsy conducted on the recovered remains revealed a horrifying cause of death.

Brandi had suffered a broken neck resulting from blunt force trauma. 

This grim revelation brought much-needed attention to the case, prompting a renewed focus on the investigation. 

The details of Brandi’s demise prove the severity of the violence she had endured.

The community, now aware of the heartbreaking details, joined in the collective call for accountability and an end to the cycle of violence that had claimed Brandi’s life.

Multiple Witnesses

In the Brandi Mathews murder case, several people came forward as witnesses to share important information. 

One witness shared that they saw a couple fighting in the same place where Brandi’s remains were later found. 

Another person reported hearing Kelly Simino, Brandi’s boyfriend, confess to killing her. 

Yet another witness mentioned that Simino wanted to make Brandi disappear without getting caught. 

These statements provided crucial clues for the investigation. The police carefully considered the information from these witnesses.

However, it was only after the discovery of Simino’s remains that the focus of their suspicion narrowed down to him. 

The details shared by the witnesses helped the authorities connect the dots in the case, leading them to investigate Simino more closely. 

The combined accounts of these witnesses played a significant role in unraveling the mystery surrounding Brandi’s tragic death.

Which brings the investigation closer to understanding what had happened to her.

The courage of these witnesses in coming forward with vital information became instrumental in seeking justice for Brandi.

It’s also holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Sentencing of Kelly Simino

In November 2011, Kelly Simino was found guilty of second-degree murder in connection to Brandi Mathews’ death.

 Following the verdict, in January 2012, he received a 20-year prison sentence. 

This punishment was added to the sentences he still had to serve for other offenses. 

Currently, Simino is serving his time at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Simino’s eligibility for parole will be considered once he completes 85 of his total judgment .

This means that he’d need to serve a significant portion of his 20- time term before being considered for release on parole.

The legal system uses parole to cover and restrict individualities into the community under specific conditions.

The conviction and sentencing of Kelly Simino represent a form of justice for Brandi Mathews and her family. 

While serving prison, Simino is held accountable for his actions, and the legal system aims to ensure the community’s safety. 

Where is Kelly Simino Now?

Kelly Simino’s trial began in April 2011 after he waived his rights to a preliminary hearing.

It was reported that Brandi had filed for at least six domestic assault incidents against Kelly in 2006, prior to her disappearance.

Following several days of hearings and testimonies, the jury returned with a guilty verdict for Kelly in November 2011.

He was convicted of second-degree murder for the tragic death of his former girlfriend, Brandi Mathews.

During the trial, prosecutors labeled him as a danger to society.

Justice was finally served for Brandi, her mother, her brother, and her young son.

Their determination led the authorities to believe that Brandi was a victim of foul play.

In January 2012, the perpetrator was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be served consecutively with his other existing sentences.

Despite appealing for a new trial, arguing a lack of speedy proceedings, his plea was rejected by the court.

Additionally, in order to be eligible for parole, he must serve a minimum of 85% of his sentence.

Kelly is currently serving his sentence at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, located at 8200 No More Victims Road in Jefferson City.