FAIRFIELD - The murder of 70-year-old Fairfield woman Sunday night is believed to be the fist domestic violence related death of the year in state and it's a homicide that does not surprise the victim's son.
Catherine and James Taylor were divorced 25-years ago, but they had lived together for much of the time since they legally split. Recently, however, she moved in with her son.
Police said James Taylor, 75, of Fairfield, was described by his stepson as a bully, who would often emotionally manipulate his mother, Catherine Taylor.
"It seemed like there was a build up in the relationship that it started to boil over," said Capt. Robert Kalamaras of the Fairfield Police Department.
In fact, according to the arrest warrant affidavit, James Taylor argued with his ex-wife Catherine and her son on Friday, saying things were going to get bad for Catherine. And they did on Sunday night.
"He stated in the 911 called that his stepfather had shot his mother," Kalamaras said.
Catherine Taylor was dead as a result of a gunshot to the head after James Taylor allegedly broke into the home she lived in with her son on Catamount Road.
"It was really unusual to hear such heavy equipment and the sirens and there were multiple vehicles," said Martha Biggers, who lives nearby. "We knew it was something serious."
Catherine Taylor's son told police James Taylor attempted to fire a shot at him, as he raced into the living room. But, the stepson tackled Taylor and detained him.
"The son was fighting for his life after that," said Kalamaras.
James Taylor, who has a handful of misdemeanor arrests dating back to the early 1960's, had his bond set at $2 million.
"It’s obviously a real shock to everybody in the neighborhood and everybody’s texting each other," said Biggers.
Karen Jarmoc, Exec. Dir. of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said serious domestic violence incidents are predictable and preventable. If you are in an abusive relationship, call the Connecticut Domestic Violence hotline (888) 774-2900.