KENOSHA, Wis. — A man is in custody after a violent altercation led to the death of his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Birn, in her home. Authorities arrested Dale Dallia, 42, and charged him with first-degree intentional homicide following the incident that unfolded on April 25.
Dallia is also accused of attempted homicide after allegedly assaulting another man outside Birn’s home. The unfolding events intensified from a reported fight between two men in the neighborhood to a full-scale homicide investigation when officers discovered Birn suffering life-threatening injuries inside her residence. According to investigators, she had been stabbed multiple times.
Police initially responded to a 911 call around 3:30 p.m. reporting a confrontation between two men near 13th Avenue and 57th Street. Upon arrival, officers found Dallia near the scene and detained him for questioning. They discovered the injured man receiving aid outside and later proceeded to check Birn’s home, where they found her unconscious and unresponsive. A weapon, identified as a bent steak knife, was recovered from the kitchen sink, further linking Dallia to the crime.
The surviving victim, a 41-year-old man who had spent the night at Birn’s home, recounted receiving a disturbing text from her phone just before the incident. He arrived to find the front door broken in and was immediately assaulted by Dallia, who allegedly struck him with a frying pan and engaged in a brutal struggle. The attack included threats to kill him, escalating the already chaotic scene.
Witness accounts and physical evidence paint a troubling picture of Dallia’s actions leading up to the murder. A witness reported seeing him at Birn’s residence earlier that day, expressing intentions to harm someone and exhibiting signs of intoxication. Social media posts by Dallia just hours before the incident suggested premeditation, as he ominously asked friends about disposing of a body.
Further inquiry revealed Dallia’s tumultuous history with Birn, characterized by allegations of jealousy and aggressive behavior. Friends described Birn as a caring mother who had ended their relationship due to fears for her safety. Reports indicate that Dallia had previously faced legal issues, including charges related to violence and substance abuse, further complicating his legal standing.
Dallia has been charged with several offenses beyond homicide, including attempted homicide and battery against a law enforcement officer. His bond was set at $2 million during a court appearance where public safety concerns were emphasized. He remains in custody as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 12.
The location of the crime has become a focal point for police as they canvass the neighborhood, seeking additional information and evidence. The nature of the altercation has left the community shaken, with many residents trying to understand the duality of the scenes — one where a struggle occurred outside and another mourning the life lost inside.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is yet to confirm the specifics of the events leading to Birn’s injuries or clarify whether she sent the text that summoned the surviving victim to her home. The case has raised significant concerns about domestic violence, with community advocates calling for increased awareness and support for those facing similar situations.
With the next court date looming, Dallia is presumed innocent until proven guilty, highlighting the ongoing complexities of this tragic case.