Man accused of killing ex-girlfriend with ax offered plea deal

MILFORD, Conn. (Court TV) – A Connecticut man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in front of their 3-year-old child was in court Friday where he was offered a plea deal to resolve the case.

Ewen Dewitt faces multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the death of Julie Minogue in December 2022. At Friday's hearing, prosecutors said they presented Dewitt with a plea agreement that would require him to plead guilty to murder and receive a sentence of 45 years. Prosecutors noted that the victim's family did not fully agree to the offer and said they wanted him to serve a longer sentence.

According to authorities, 44-year-old Dewitt killed 42-year-old Minogue with an ax in front of their child. Minogue's 17-year-old child told police he saw Dewitt standing over his mother's body, News 12 reported.

Days before the murder, Minogue was given a no-contact order against Dewitt. She also had a protective order against Dewitt following a 2019 incident in which he was arrested for assault.

Dewitt's attorney said he plans to meet with his client in prison next week to discuss the plea offer. The parties will return to court on October 25, where Dewitt is expected to formally accept or reject the agreement.