KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The man accused of killing 37-year-old Stephanie Birn in Kenosha on Saturday, April 25 was reportedly her ex-boyfriend with a criminal and violent past, according to Karyn Pedraza, who said Birn was like a sister to her.

Birn was found dead inside a home that Kenosha police responded to for a fight between two men. Around 3:30 p.m., officers arrived near the intersection of 57th Street and 13th Avenue. That's when they found 42-year-old Dale Dallia trying to leave the area.

"My world has collapsed around me. I mean, I loved her; she was more than a friend." — Karyn Pedraza

Stephanie Birn Karyn Pedraza

Pedraza said her connection with Birn started because she was friends with the father of Birn's son. Pedraza and Birn formed their own relationship, fortifying as they became pregnant and raised their children, who are one month apart.

"We were the best moms to our babies and learning everything together," Pedraza said. "Stephanie was one of those people who was a really good person. She really cared about people. She would do anything for anyone; she would give you the shirt off her back."

Pedraza says that the suspect, Dallia, was Birn's ex-boyfriend from several years ago, who had shown signs of aggression in the past. Pedraza said though Birn and Dallia had dated, she was the one who broke up with him.

"They ended things. I don't know why he was there," she said.

Court records show that in October of 2024, Dallia was charged with strangulation, battery, disorderly conduct, and bail jumping when he reportedly choked a coworker. He pleaded guilty to battery and disorderly conduct in that case. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to a third offense of OWI and drug possession, getting 90 days in jail. He had just been released on March 25.

"I remember her telling me then that she was afraid of him... even then, there was already some sort of fear with what kind of person he was," shared Pedraza.

Pedraza said that, too often, women go back to dangerous situations because they feel they have no choice. Birn, then was dating someone else, and Pedraza feels it might have been motivated by jealousy.

Dale Dallia Kenosha Police Department

Exactly one month after Dallia was released from jail, police found a 41-year-old man with "serious injuries" and Stephanie Birn dead inside the Kenosha home. Pedraza said she feels none of this should have happened.

Pedraza now worries about Birn's 11-year-old son, who will grow up without his mom.

"We've really lost a really good person. And you know, the world is definitely got to the world definitely has a void without her there. We need more people like her," said Pedraza. 

Kenosha police say Dallia is still only on a probation hold at the moment, and charges will be coming by the end of the week.

If you or someone you know is living with domestic violence, there is help available. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or find more information from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.