The ex-wife of a St. Louis County man accused of shooting a woman in the face is speaking out, calling him a "monster" and describing what she says were years of abuse. Authorities say the alleged attack left the victim in critical condition and spurred friends and neighbors to launch a fundraiser to help her recover. The ex-wife's account, shared this week, adds fresh detail to an investigation that began after the January 30 shooting in Florissant.
What investigators say
Local reporting and court records indicate the shooting happened January 30 at a home on Old Jamestown Road in Florissant, and that 49-year-old Anthony Schanuth was arrested at the scene. He is charged with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action and is being held on a $500,000 bond, according to Law & Crime. Police records cited in coverage state that officers arrived within minutes of a 911 call and took Schanuth into custody inside the house.
Ex-wife recalls years of abuse
The ex-wife, speaking to local reporters, described what she says was a long pattern of controlling and violent behavior and called Schanuth a "monster," according to KSDK. Her interview, released in a recent local update, outlines a series of incidents she says stretched over years and helps explain why family members now describe the relationship as dangerous. It is the most specific public account so far of the alleged history of abuse.
Victim's injuries and community response
Family members say the victim, Heather Siorek, a mother of three, suffered catastrophic facial injuries and currently cannot speak as she begins reconstructive surgery. Relatives have described severe damage to her jaw and neck, and friends have launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills and ongoing care, as reported by local outlets including KMBC. Neighbors and advocates say the case is another stark example of how quickly intimate-partner violence can escalate when warning signs are missed or minimized.
What the law says
Schanuth faces felony charges that carry significant penalties under Missouri law. Domestic assault in the first degree is defined under state statute and is typically a class B felony, and it becomes a class A felony if the offense causes serious physical injury. The armed-criminal-action statute adds mandatory prison time on top of any sentence for the underlying crime, according to Missouri code and legal summaries. For the statutes and classifications, see Justia and the armed-criminal-action overview from Combs Waterkotte.
Resources for people in danger
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Local organizations such as YWCA Metro St. Louis offer crisis lines and shelter referrals, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support at 1-800-799-7233 or through its online chat. The YWCA also offers guidance on recognizing abuse and planning a safe way out.
What happens next
Schanuth remains held at the St. Louis County Justice Center on the $500,000 bond as the case moves through the county court system, according to local reporting. Prosecutors and court officials will determine upcoming filings and hearing dates. This story will be updated as additional court documents and official statements are released.
