Milford police believe man used axe to kill his ex-girlfriend

MILFORD, CT (WFSB) - Milford police released the names of both the victim and suspect in what they described as a “targeted attack.”

Police identified the victim as 40-year-old Julie Minogue.

The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Ewen Dewitt, whom they charged with murder, criminal violation of a protective order, criminal violation of a restraining order, risk of injury, and reckless endangerment.

Police believe Dewitt used an axe during the attack. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.

Minogue’s 17-year-old son called police around 9:01 p.m. to report his mother was assaulted.

When police arrived, they found the suspect had fled the home.

Minogue was found dead inside, police said.

“The victim’s younger child, age 3, was located in the home unharmed. Both children are currently in the care of family members,” said Milford police.

In the court paperwork, Minogue’s, teenage son who called 911, said when he heard screaming he ran down stairs and saw his mother on the ground, with Dewitt yelling, “you didn’t believe me.”

Police say 3 years ago, Dewitt threw a play pen at Minogue while she was holding their baby, hitting her in the head.

Just last week, a restraining order was granted, after he allegedly sent Minogue a number of threatening messages.

In September, Dewitt was sentenced to 75 days in North Carolina for assaulting a woman there.

Dewitt was later found in West Haven and taken into custody.

He faced a judge on Wednesday morning. His bond was set at $5 million.

The state said it had plenty of evidence against him, including an admission.

Police crime tape could be seen strung in front and back of an apartment complex called Long Meadow at 76 Salem Walk, which is in the Woodmont section.

“There were a lot of flashing lights out there, of course the police and fire, many neighbors outside, trying to figure what happened,” said Lance Lewis of Milford.

Just before 11 p.m. on Tuesday, the Milford Police Department shared that it was investigating an apparent homicide.

Police said they believed it was a targeted attack, and that there was no threat to the public.

“That’s what really scared me because I don’t know of anybody in this whole place,” said Dianne Smith, who lives in the complex. “Unless it’s somebody that’s came in where they weren’t supposed to be.”

Police said Dewitt and Minogue were previously in a dating relationship.

Today in court we learned Minogue, who’s 3-year-old son with Dewitt, was also in the home at the time of the attack.

Minogue had a protective order against him after police say he threw a play pen at her three years ago, while she was holding their baby.

Julie’s 17-year-old son told police, “Ewen threw a playpen at her while she was leaving with the baby in her hand. She got hit in the back of the head by the playpen and her head was bleeding.”

“She had a protective order which is a little bit different than a restraining order. A protective order goes through the criminal court. She had a protective order with the stipulation for visitation so she could have contact just for arranging visitation,” said Meghan Scanlon, CEO CT Coalition of Domestic Violence.

Documents show Ewen got visitation and would see his child at places like Chuck E Cheese.

A restraining order was granted on December 1, just 6 days ago, after police said Dewitt sent her threatening text messages.

According to a restraining order application, she told police, “I am scared for the safety of my children” and “I am scared he’s going to kill me.”

Advocates say this is a very complicated case but urge victims to continue to file and call for help.

“You can be in immediate crisis and we can help you through that or you can just starting to figure out what you want to do in terms of safety planning or making a plan to leave, every situation is different. Or you can be a family member or friend saying, ‘look I know something is going on I don’t really know how to help,’” said Scanlon.

Dewitt is due in court next on Dec. 14.

Crews remained on the scene well into late morning.

While Dewitt is now locked up, Lance Lewis, who lives a few doors down from Minogue, said he can’t stop thinking about her little boy, who’s now without a mother.

“He was always outside with his little toys, making believe he was mowing the neighborhood with his lawnmower, it’s just really a terrible thing. I’m just glad someone is in custody,” said Lance.

If you need help or just someone to talk to, visit ctsafeconnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates ARE available 24/7.

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