Judge denies bond for wife accused of killing Cape Fear Serpentarium owner

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County judge denied bond this morning for a woman accused of shooting and killer her husband over the weekend in downtown Wilmington.

District Attorney Ben David said the judge denied bond for Regina Ripa, 40, until prosecutors can determine if she’ll be charged with capital murder.

Wilmington Police charged Ripa with first-degree murder in the death Saturday of her husband Dean Ripa, 60, at their home above the Serpentarium.

A friend said he found Dean Ripa’s body in the apartment Saturday afternoon.

This would be the eighth domestic related death in New Hanover County in the last three months.

“I will say that this has been a tough year when you look at our community for the issue of domestic violence,” David said.

There is no word yet on a possible motive. Wilmington Police said they have not responded to any domestic violence calls to the couple’s home prior to the murder.

David said the Ripas have a 3-year-old son and of course all of the reptiles at the serpentarium.

“I think everyone is united in making sure that there is no other collateral damage first to a child and second to all these pets,” David said.

David said the toddler has been taken to social services, but the reptiles are a little more complicated.

“If there are dogs or cats or other animals, you always want to make sure that there is a plan in place for them,” David said. “This brought up a unique circumstance, in that, when you’re talking about bushmasters, asps and boa constrictors, you’ve got something different.”

He said the aquarium has offered to help, but in the meantime Rippa’s friends have taken over.

“It’s like clockwork,” Michael Parker said. “It’s like a machine. We’re gonna keep it open, especially in his memory.”

Parker has known Rippa since he was 16. He said he is going to keep the doors open at the serpentarium.

“I’m very glad that some of Mr.Ripa’s friends who are conversant with how to take care of these creatures are stepping up to help,” David said.

David said Rippa’s wife will not be given a bond until prosecutors determine if this is a capital murder case.