Erie, Colorado — A Colorado man is facing a first-degree murder charge after investigators say he intentionally rammed his ex-girlfriend’s SUV off the road before pulling her from the vehicle and fatally attacking her in a case that has drawn renewed attention to domestic violence and protection orders.
According to an arrest affidavit, 29-year-old Justin De Nileon Jr. is accused of killing 28-year-old Haley Rippetoe on June 21 after allegedly following her as she left work.
Authorities say members of Rippetoe’s family were alerted to the incident after receiving Apple crash notifications, leading them toward the scene where police had already discovered her body.
Investigators Believe Crash Was Intentional
According to prosecutors, De Nileon allegedly struck Rippetoe’s Nissan Rogue, causing it to leave the roadway and roll into a ditch near the intersection of Weld County Road 7 and Weld County Road 6 in Erie.
Investigators allege the crash was not accidental.
Court documents state officers observed damage to the driver’s window and a seatbelt that appeared to have been cut, raising immediate concerns that the collision had been staged to facilitate an attack.
The affidavit also alleges the suspect dragged Rippetoe from the vehicle after the crash.
According to the medical examiner, the injuries found during the autopsy were not consistent with a traffic collision.
“The medical examiner observed at autopsy multiple sharp force injuries to Haley’s torso, neck and head appearing to have been caused by a sharp instrument,” the affidavit states.
Apple Crash Notifications Alerted Family Members
Police said Rippetoe’s brother and sister both received Apple crash detection alerts indicating she had been involved in a serious collision.
Concerned for her safety, they drove toward the reported location.
By the time they arrived, officers had already located Rippetoe’s body in a roadside ditch.
Her father, Ryan Rippetoe, also received the same crash notification and immediately feared something more serious had happened.
“I got a notification on the Apple app for the crash, and I immediately said, ‘This is Justin,'” Ryan Rippetoe later told a local television station.
According to investigators, Ryan immediately told officers he believed his daughter’s ex-boyfriend may have been involved.
Evidence Points to Alleged Attack After Collision
The arrest affidavit details several pieces of evidence investigators say support the murder allegations.
Authorities reported finding large amounts of blood inside and outside the driver’s side of the SUV, along with damage that appeared inconsistent with a normal traffic crash.
Investigators also allege the driver’s seatbelt had been cleanly cut with a sharp object, while the driver’s side window showed damage consistent with someone attempting to break into the vehicle.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured a white SUV matching the suspect’s vehicle leaving the area shortly after the crash.
Police later located De Nileon at his parents’ home, where officers allegedly found blood on his clothing and cuts on his hands. Investigators said the amount of blood observed was inconsistent with his reported injuries.
Protection Order Was in Effect
According to the affidavit, Rippetoe’s family described a history of alleged emotional and physical abuse throughout the relationship.
Investigators noted that De Nileon had previously been arrested in connection with allegations involving Rippetoe, and a protection order was active at the time of her death.
Speaking publicly after the tragedy, Ryan Rippetoe questioned whether enough had been done to protect his daughter.
“The system failed us so miserably and failed her miserably.”
De Nileon was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Court records show he is scheduled to appear for a disposition hearing on Sept. 2.
The allegations outlined in the arrest affidavit have not been proven in court, and De Nileon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe stronger measures are needed to protect domestic violence victims after protection orders are issued? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
