Serbian citizen Vera Pitulic (41), originally from the city of Užice, was found dead on Tuesday inside an abandoned vehicle in Dallas, Texas. The same day, police arrested her partner, Donnie N. B. (38), a Dallas bodybuilder, on suspicion of inflicting the fatal injuries that led to her death.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Serbia, across the Balkans, and among the Serbian diaspora in the United States.
A Life Between Serbia and the United States
Vera Pitulic moved to the United States about fourteen years ago. She was born in the Užice region and graduated from the Technical High School in Požega. 
She lived in the U.S. with her two children, whom she had during her marriage to an Egyptian citizen. Following the divorce, the children divided their time between both parents. At the time of the tragedy, they were staying with their father.
Her parents have both passed away. She last visited Serbia last year to attend her father’s funeral. She is survived by two brothers.
Family members and friends describe Vera as a cheerful, warm, and selfless person who was deeply loved by everyone who knew her. They say she never spoke about having problems in her relationship.
Last Seen After a Party
According to family members and friends, Vera was last seen on the night between Friday and Saturday while attending a gathering in Dallas with her partner.
Relatives claim that an argument broke out after her partner allegedly became intoxicated and displayed signs of jealousy. Vera reportedly wanted to leave the party to prevent the dispute from escalating in front of others. The two left together, and she has not been seen alive since.
Family Reported Her Missing
When Vera failed to contact anyone on Saturday, her family and friends became concerned and reported her missing to the Dallas Police Department that same day.
Due to legal procedures, the official missing person investigation began on Sunday.
During the investigation, police questioned her partner, who, according to the family, repeatedly claimed that he did not know where Vera was and had neither seen nor heard from her since Saturday.
Investigators later determined that Vera’s cellphone was last active at his residence.
Body Found Inside an Abandoned Vehicle
Vera Pitulic’s body was discovered on Tuesday inside an abandoned vehicle in Dallas.
According to the information released so far, she sustained severe injuries that ultimately caused her death. Investigators believe she was beaten to death.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the killing occurred inside the suspect’s home or inside the vehicle, nor whether her body was later moved in an attempt to conceal evidence. The exact cause of death, the time of death, and the crime scene remain under investigation.
Partner Arrested on Suspicion of Murder
Donnie N. B. (38), a bodybuilder from Dallas, was arrested on July 21 on suspicion of murder.
On social media, he portrayed himself as a fitness enthusiast, regularly posting workout photos. His final post appeared one day before the tragedy.
Vera’s family says they expect him to be held accountable but emphasize that no verdict can bring back their sister and the mother of two children.
Family Raising Funds to Return Her to Serbia
Since Vera’s parents are deceased, her two brothers have taken responsibility for arranging the transportation of her remains and her funeral.
The family’s wish is for Vera to be buried in her hometown in Serbia. However, the cost of transporting her remains from the United States to Serbia, along with funeral expenses, is estimated at between $40,000 and $50,000.
To help cover these costs, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Bring Vera Pitulic Home to Serbia” has been launched.
The fundraiser was organized by Marko Zelenović of Chicago. The campaign states that Vera was a victim of domestic violence and leaves behind two children, two brothers, and many grieving relatives and friends.
“Our wish is to bring her back to her homeland of Serbia, where she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. Every donation, regardless of the amount, brings us one step closer to giving her the dignified farewell she deserves,” the campaign reads.
The organizer also thanked everyone willing to contribute, emphasizing that the support is especially important for Vera’s two children, who have lost their mother.
Emotional Tributes on Social Media
Following the news of Vera’s death, social media has been flooded with messages of grief and remembrance.
One tribute reads:
“Where do we even begin? If anyone deserved to grow old surrounded by family and friends, it was Vera. She was deeply respected wherever she went—a beloved sister, mother, friend, and colleague. Heaven may have gained another angel, but we are left with the pain of a life taken far too soon.”
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation by U.S. authorities is continuing.
Officials have not yet released complete information regarding the sequence of events, forensic findings, or other details surrounding the case. Much of the information currently available has come from statements made by Vera’s family and friends, which have been reported by Serbian and regional media outlets.
Photo: Facebook
