MADISON, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Nashville Police Department has taken a man into custody in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, whose body was discovered inside a Madison apartment Tuesday afternoon. 

According to police, 41-year-old Brooke Howard was found dead in her unit at the 333 complex on Gallatin Pike South on Tuesday, Sept. 5. 

Upon further investigation, detectives said they believe Howard died as the result of blunt force trauma.

Authorities reported Howard was found by maintenance workers who were conducting a welfare check at the address. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, police announced Howard’s boyfriend, 53-year-old Steven Gerald Cosby, had surrendered at the Downtown Detention Center on criminal homicide and evidence tampering warrants in connection with her death.

Investigators said they reviewed security camera footage from the apartment complex, which showed Cosby was the only person who entered the apartment other than Howard. In addition, Cosby was reportedly seen leaving with a large plastic bag containing bloody clothing that was found in a dumpster at the complex.

Authorities said the apartment appeared to have been cleaned after Howard was fatally injured.

According to officials, Cosby previously served time for domestic violence against Howard, offering the following details about his criminal history:

• An arrest for aggravated assault and order of protection violation in 2019 led to a sentence of six years.
• An arrest for domestic violence against Howard in 2018 led to a sentence of three years.
• An arrest for domestic assault against Howard in 2017 led to a sentence of 11 months and 29 days.

No additional details have been released about Howard’s death, which is being investigated by Metro police’s Homicide Unit and the Specialized Investigations Division.