OHIO CO., KY (WFIE) -
New information Friday on the murder investigation in Ohio County, including what lead to those kidnapping charges against 32-year-old Jeremie Simpson.
Troopers tell us 24-year-old Dami-Ann Simpson wasn't actually there when her estranged husband came to her home at Suburban Apartments Thursday morning, but they say three friends were there.
State Police say Simpson restrained the three people and held them there until Dami-Ann came home. They say that's when he shot her with a shot gun, and then freed the hostages, who called Beaver Dam police.
We do know Dami-Ann had a protection order against Simpson.
Beaver Dam Police tell 14 News that Jeremie Simpson was arrested for fourth degree assault domestic violence on August 23rd, just three days after his estranged wife filed an emergency protection order against him.
But counselors with the Oasis Women's Shelter in Owensboro say documents like that can only do so much.
"It doesn't absolutely protect the victim," noted Barbara Barr with the shelter. "Something can happen in the meantime before law enforcement can intervene and the victim can be harmed."
Barbara adds that the effectiveness of these orders often depends on who they're against.
"If someone doesn't feel like they have anything to lose, they have a long criminal history, they don't have that respect for the court, it's going to be less effective with someone like that."
Beaver Dam Police agree and say that victims aren't completely protected.
"In no way does it keep someone from coming to a victim's house," said Beaver Dam Police Chief Mike Allen. "If they're going to do it, they're going to come. They're going to show up, but that does give you a legal right to arrest them."
Barbara explains that these types of orders can actually put someone in more danger.
"Victims are always more at risk when they take legal action and they try to leave. That puts them at the greatest risk."
Now, both the shelter and the Beaver Dam Police Department emphasized that they encourage people to take out these orders if they feel it's necessary, but also advise them that they may not be completely protected.
Police say the emergency protection order against Simpson was changed to a domestic violence order after his arrest in august. His next court date is October 8th.
State Police tell us there was an autopsy Friday in Louisville. They say it may take weeks to get the full report from the medical examiner.
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Dami-Ann Simpson, 24
Jeremie Simpson, 32.
