MERIDEN, Conn. -- The oldest son of a woman who was fatally stabbed Wednesday held back tears as the judge set bond for the suspected killer Thursday.

Single mother of four teen boys, Patricia Austin, 45, was found stabbed and unresponsive at her Hamden home Wednesday morning. She was later pronounced dead at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Austin's family members told Eyewitness News that her second-oldest child witnessed the attack.

Austin's ex-boyfriend, Gary Dillon, now faces murder charges in Austin's death. According to police, Austin and Dillon's relationship ended several days ago. Police allege that the separated couple became involved in a domestic dispute prior to the stabbing.

Officers said that after the stabbing, one of Austin's sons chased Dillon as he fled the scene. Dillon is accused of carjacking a vehicle at knifepoint at a Hamden gas station following the stabbing.

In Meriden Superior Court Thursday, a judge issued a protective order for Austin's sons, ages 15 to 20. The sons said they are scared for their own lives if Dillon is able to make bail.

Austin's neighbor, Debra DiPietro told Eyewitness News that she knows Austin's sons well and that they never liked Dillon.

"They just didn't care for him. They didn't like him from day one. The boys are nice kids," DiPietro said.

Austin's family described her as a hard-working woman who lived for her children.

Dillon's case was transferred to New Haven, where he will face capitol felony charges.

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