West Plains, MO – July 21, 2025 — A West Plains man is under investigation following a reported domestic assault that occurred on Sunday, July 20, in Howell County.
According to authorities, Zackery Rector is accused of physically assaulting a woman with whom he shares a residence and romantic relationship. Police say the incident began when Rector arrived at the home and confronted the victim during an argument about another man.
The victim told police that Rector became enraged, grabbed her by the sleeve of her sweater, and shoved her to the ground. While she lay on her back, Rector allegedly pinned her arms, sat on her, and grabbed both sides of her head. He then reportedly placed his thumbs on her forehead and slammed the back of her head against the floor approximately three times.
After the attack, the victim attempted to collect her belongings and move them into a trailer in the garage. While doing so, Rector allegedly confronted her again, forcibly knocking the items from her hands. She stated that she waited for a moment when he was distracted and then escaped through the back door of the residence, fleeing to a local hotel for safety.
When officers met with the victim at the hotel, they observed a fresh, approximately one-inch laceration on the left side of her forehead, located just beneath her hairline. The wound appeared consistent with being caused by a fingernail, and surrounding redness suggested possible pressure from a thumb. Although no swelling was visible on the back of her head, the victim reported pain in that area consistent with the alleged assault.
Rector is charged with Domestic Assault 3rd Degree.
