Victim Identified in Fatal Aurora Shooting; Incident Linked to Domestic Violence

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A 51-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly shooting and killing a woman in Aurora Sunday.

The East Range Police Department responded to the American Legion after 9 Sunday night on reports of a shooting. 

Police found 49-year-old Julie Hildreth with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. 

Hildreth was taken to Northern Pines Essentia Health hospital, where she later died of her injuries. 

Police say it appears the suspect and the victim knew each other. 

They say no other suspects are being sought at this time. 

The suspect is being held in the St. Louis County Jail in Virginia on charges of 2nd degree intentional homicide.

Melissa Petrangelo Scaia, Executive Director of Advocates for Family Peace, says the death appears to be a domestic incident. 

“In my conversations today with County Attorney Mark Rubin it definitely appears to be another horrible act of domestic violence – right here on the Iron Range.  Nearly every day in this country three women are murdered by a current or former intimate partner and we today are experiencing the reality of that and extend our hearts to her family and friends.  So today, let’s remind ourselves why we should stop asking ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’  Most domestic violence homicides happen after the victim leaves their abusive partner.   Instead, lets ask ourselves “Why is he abusive and violent?  Why do we too often blame victims of domestic violence for what they experience?  And when are we all going to tip the scales away from being silent and speak up in a respectful way when we know someone is being abused and when we see the warning signs?” said Petrangelo Scaia. 

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Gilbert Police Department and the MN BCA are assisting the East Range Police Department with investigating the shooting.