Connecticut suspect Michael Ranger, already barred by a protective order, faces murder charges after allegedly stabbing Jacqueline Matthews to death

A 55-year-old Connecticut man is facing a murder charge after a woman was fatally stabbed inside her Rocky Hill home, according to authorities.

Michael Ranger, 55, is accused in the stabbing death of 59-year-old Jacqueline Yolanda Matthews, police said.

Ranger already had a pending domestic violence case involving Matthews at the time of her death, according to authorities.

A criminal protective order was reportedly in place ordering the suspect to stay away from Matthews. She was found fatally wounded inside her condominium residence nonetheless, police said.

On Aug. 22, Rocky Hill police officers were dispatched to Matthews’ condominium complex after receiving a report that a woman was being assaulted, police said.

Responding officers arrived at the condominium and discovered Matthews suffering from apparent stab wounds, according to police.

Emergency medical responders attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before Matthews was transported to a local hospital. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, authorities said.

Ranger was not arrested at the scene of the fatal assault, according to police.

Authorities located the 55-year-old the following day in upstate New York and detained him on a Rocky Hill arrest warrant, police said.

He was extradited back to Connecticut on Thursday to face the outstanding warrant, officials said.

On Friday, the defendant appeared before a judge in New Britain Superior Court, according to court records.

Ranger is now formally charged with murder and violation of a standing criminal protective order, prosecutors said.

A judge ordered Ranger held on bail bonds totaling $2.1 million. The total amount includes a $2 million bond alongside an additional $100,000 bond, court records show.

His next court appearance in the case is scheduled for Sept. 17, according to court records.