In the fall of 2021, the life of 34-year-old Rachael Nicole Feazell was tragically cut short in an act of domestic violence in Evansville, Indiana. On the evening of Saturday, November 27, 2021, Feazell was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, 46-year-old Ryan Hopkins. The incident, which occurred at Feazell's residence, ended when Hopkins turned the gun on himself, taking his own life in a murder-suicide.
Feazell's 10-year-old daughter was present in the home at the time of the shootings.
The events of that fatal evening were preceded by a history of violence. Hours before the murder-suicide, Feazell had contacted the police to report that Hopkins had rammed his truck into her current boyfriend's vehicle. This was not the first time she had sought help. In April of the previous year, Feazell had reported to Evansville Police that Hopkins had punched, kicked, and pointed a gun at her, as well as stolen her emotional-support dog. Hopkins was subsequently arrested and faced charges of strangulation, domestic battery, and intimidation.
Despite the previous violence, Rachael Feazell had expressed a desire to move forward. In late October 2021, she wrote a letter to the judge presiding over Hopkins' criminal case, requesting that the charges against him be dismissed. She also indicated in writing on October 29, 2021, that she no longer wished to pursue the charges at that time and asked for a no-contact order to be dropped.
Family members described a tumultuous and frightening relationship. Feazell’s grandmother recalled an incident in October 2020 when Hopkins had allegedly locked Feazell in his basement, from which she managed to escape through a window, injuring herself in the process. Her aunt stated that he had held her hostage in the basement with a padlock on the outside and had cameras in the house connected to his phone. This pattern of abuse culminated in the tragic events of November 27, leaving a community to mourn the loss of a mother and a friend who enjoyed cooking, helping others, and spending time with her loved ones.
