A dinnertime argument over the contents of a cell phone spiraled into deadly violence in rural Missouri, authorities say, ending with a man shot in the chest and a woman charged with first-degree murder.

Melinda Grigsby, 39, is being held without bond at the Macon County Jail after prosecutors allege she shot and killed Lawrence Jackson, 51, during an argument at a home in Ethel on Jan. 23.

According to a probable cause statement filed in Macon County court and cited by local media, Grigsby was making dinner while multiple minors were present in the home when a dispute erupted over “content on his cell phone related to relationship issues.”

Authorities allege the argument turned physical when Grigsby struck Jackson twice in the face with a spatula, causing bruising and a laceration. Jackson reportedly responded by placing Grigsby in a headlock. One of the minors witnessed the confrontation and pushed on Jackson’s head until he released her, police said.

After the altercation, Jackson went into the living room. Grigsby finished cooking dinner and sent the children to their room, according to the charging document. But the conflict did not end there.

Investigators say Grigsby followed Jackson into the living room, where the argument continued. She then retrieved her purse, which allegedly contained a firearm, and went into the master bedroom. While inside, police say she checked the magazine and added more ammunition from a bedroom closet.

“One of the juveniles heard Grigsby banging on the walls and door while she was inside the master bedroom,” the court document states.

Jackson then walked to the bedroom, where the argument resumed. Grigsby told investigators she dropped ammunition on the floor while loading the magazine. Jackson allegedly asked her where the gun was.

“She then drew the firearm and discharged it, striking [Jackson] in the chest,” the statement reads.

One of the minors reportedly heard Jackson say, “Why, Melinda, why?”

Deputies with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the home shortly before 6 p.m. and found Jackson suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Grigsby was arrested and booked into jail. Court records do not specify the nature of her relationship with Jackson.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday as prosecutors move forward with the murder charge in a case authorities describe as a rapid and devastating escalation of domestic conflict.