A DeLand man has been charged with first degree murder in the beating death of his girlfriend.

On Friday December 6, 2019 at approximately 8:23 p.m. DeLand Police officers responded to the old Dixie Lodge (647 S. Woodland Blvd. Apt 25) to a report of a female who was not breathing. 

When officers arrived, it became very apparent that our victim had been brutally beaten as she had severe swelling around her eyes, nose and left ear as well as a laceration to her forehead. Detectives later found out she had multiple facial fractures as a result of the attack.

At the scene DeLand Police and first responders were able to revive our victim, who has been identified as 27-year-old Kimber Iverson. Iverson was then transported to the hospital where she was maintained on life support. Iverson succumbed to her injuries Monday December 9, 2019. An autopsy was conducted Tuesday and revealed that the cause of death was a result of blunt force injuries to the head. 

Based on our investigation, we determined the injuries Iverson suffered were as a result of her live-in boyfriend, Christopher Parker, age 31, viciously assaulting her. During interviews, he provided inconsistent statements regarding what happened prior to law enforcement arriving. It was also determined that Parker made efforts to tamper with and clean up the crime scene.

At this time, the DeLand Police Department is prepared to upgrade the charges on Parker to 1^st degree murder.

"It goes without saying that this is a heinous crime and we will work with the State Attorney’s office to ensure that justice is served for Iverson and Parker is punished to the fullest extent of the law," said Police Chief Jason Umberger.

In a news conference Tuesday, Umberger also stressed two other important points: 

"For those who are in abusive relationships, you are not alone. This police department is here for you; there is help and resources are available. From our investigation, we believe that Iverson was abused multiple times by Parker. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please know that we as a community and police department are here to help you."

"We also want to use this opportunity to express and encourage the community to come forward with any information that may be alarming. If our residents hear something that doesn’t sound right, please contact law enforcement. We discovered through our investigation that several witnesses heard the violent act taking place Friday night but no one came forward to contact the police. Had the individuals who heard the strange sounds contacted police, Ms. Iverson may very well still be alive today."

Video of the news conference is available on the PD's Facebook page here.

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