Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced Wednesday that Daniel Julian Dewitt, 28, of Allen, Texas, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Assault Family Violence, and was sentenced to concurrent prison terms of 14 years and 8 years on Thursday, March 29, 2012.
Police said that on May 20, 2010, Dewitt broke into the home he had once shared with his ex-wife. While waiting for her to arrive, Dewitt drafted a letter purporting to be from her stating she was going to kill Dewitt and then herself that day. Dewitt, who wore black gloves and had handcuff keys in his pocket, then took his ex-wife’s gun and hid in a closet.
The District Attorney said that when the victim arrived and entered her bedroom, Dewitt came toward her with a gun. When she began to scream for help, Dewitt covered her mouth with his hand, told her to shut up and put the gun to her temple. As the screaming continued, Dewitt pushed her to the bed and restrained her while holding the gun to her head.
With her cell phone still in her hand, the victim dialed the last person she talked to in hopes that someone might hear the goings-on. But Dewitt noticed and became enraged again, restricting her breathing by covering her mouth and pinching her nose.He then put her in a chokehold and caused her to lose consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, Dewitt forced her to call the last person dialed to convince that person that there was no need to come over.
She made the call trying to give clues that she was in trouble but the friend hung up not understanding the situation. Dewitt made her call back.
After several attempts, she finally reached the person and screamed that Dewitt was there with a gun. Dewitt slapped the phone from her hand, pushed her to her knees and put the gun to her head between her eyes, cursing and telling his ex-wife she was going to die.
The District Attorney said that Dewitt heard a siren and moved the gun to his own head. The victim ran to escape but Dewitt chased her with the gun first to the front door, then back door, and then again the front door, where an officer pulled her to safety.
Police said that after several minutes, Dewitt emerged from the home carrying the weapon. Dewitt was ordered to drop his weapon repeatedly before complying.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Holly Griffin and Alyson Dietrich. State District Judge Mark Rusch presided over the case.
-CollinCountyHeadlines.com