Grace Holland: Missouri woman’s family begged her fiance to stop texting her before she ended her life
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
WESTWOOD, MISSOURI: The family of Grace Holland, a 35-year-old mother of four, begged her fire captain fiance, Robert Daus, to stop texting her before she tragically took her life in front of him.
The shocking messages were revealed as Holland was found dead in Daus' home, three-and-a-half years before a second woman Sarah Sweeney's body was discovered in another residence owned by the fire captain.
Grace Holland's family alleges foul play in wrongful death lawsuit
Holland, who had been in a relationship with Daus, a Maryland Heights Fire Department employee, for approximately four years, passed away on July 22, 2020. Daus called 911 to report her death, claiming she had turned a gun on herself inside his Creve Coeur home, a suburb of St. Louis.
Despite a brief investigation leading to the ruling of suicide by the Creve Coeur Police Department and the medical examiner, Holland's family expressed frustration, suspecting Daus' potential involvement in her death. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim's daughters and ex-husband accused Daus of either killing her or driving her to suicide through abuse.
Grace Holland's death raises unanswered questions
The lawsuit points to erratic text messages between the couple, alleging that Daus would alternately tell Holland to leave his life, only to act normally shortly after. The family also raised suspicions about the fatal gunshot wound's placement on the left side of the victim's head, contradictory to her right-handedness.
Daus responded to the lawsuit, asserting his innocence and seeking its dismissal, while no charges have been filed against him, and he has not been named a suspect.
The investigation intensified as the Creve Coeur Police Department obtained Daus' phone and uncovered messages sent to Holland and her sisters.
A call revealed that an investigator had warned Daus of the probe before taking his phone.
Victim's sister begged Robert Daus to stop texting her
Amid discussions about the relationship and updates on Holland's mental health, her sister Sarah reached out to Daus, expressing she was "concerned" about Holland, The Sun reported.
Daus admitted to an argument and said that he almost involved the police, stating, "Bottom line, this relationship is not going to make it. She is going to need your support."
Following a plea from Sarah to stop texting Holland, Daus claimed he had ceased communication.
Sarah Sweeney's body had no signs of trauma
Suspicion surrounding Daus deepened after the discovery of 39-year-old podiatrist Sweeney's lifeless body in his new Westwood home on January 13. She suffered a "life-threatening condition," and had not been in contact with her family for two years after they advised her to stay away from Daus upon learning of Holland's death.
in suburban St Louis (KMOV/YouTube)
Frontenac Police Department reported Sweeney's death as unexpected, with no visible signs of trauma. In response to the escalating concerns, the Creve Coeur Police Department requested a re-examination of Holland's death from the St Louis County Police Department.
The follow-up investigation has concluded, awaiting review by the St Louis prosecutor's office. As of now, Holland's death remains classified as suspicious.
