Just two days before allegedly shooting her boyfriend, Tyler Nulisch, in the back, a Florida woman, Brittany Holbrook, made chilling threats against her ex-boyfriend, according to a friend of the victim. Holbrook, 33, allegedly detailed a gruesome plan to a woman she was having drinks with, describing how she would slice her ex-boyfriend open. This disturbing account comes from Jessica Stiegel, a friend of Nulisch, who was told about the conversation. The incident allegedly took place just 48 hours before Nulisch, 30, was found dead in his Key West home early Saturday morning.
Holbrook's behavior reportedly deteriorated as she drank more, escalating from a seemingly pleasant demeanor to violent outbursts. Stiegel described Holbrook's personality as having two sides, friendly when sober but aggressive and volatile under the influence of alcohol. Despite this, the relationship between Holbrook and Nulisch appeared strong to outsiders, with shared interests in fishing, diving, and their Catahoula dogs. However, this seemingly idyllic partnership met a tragic end on June 17th.
According to the police report, the couple's roommate, Jordan Kinn, was awakened by Holbrook's cries for help around 3 a.m. He found Nulisch lying in a pool of blood, and before losing consciousness, Nulisch reportedly identified Holbrook as the shooter. Initially, Holbrook claimed a memory lapse, but later altered her account, alleging that Nulisch attacked her. However, investigators found inconsistencies in her narrative and noted the absence of injuries supporting her claims of being strangled. She was subsequently arrested for premeditated murder.
Friends of Nulisch are seeking to defend his reputation, asserting that Holbrook was the aggressor in the relationship. They recounted witnessing her violent behavior toward him, especially when she was intoxicated. Stiegel maintains that Nulisch would never harm Holbrook, even in self-defense. Adding to the suspicion surrounding the incident, Stiegel and other friends discovered that Holbrook's gun, typically kept loaded in her unlocked car, was missing from its usual spot. The circumstances suggest a degree of premeditation, as Holbrook would have had to retrieve the gun and return to the apartment before shooting Nulisch in the back.
A memorial service for Nulisch is scheduled, while Holbrook remains in custody with a significant bond. This case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help for both victims and those struggling with anger management and substance abuse.
