Survivor's testimony key in helping convict ex-boyfriend of murder

C.C. Opanowski was just 18 when her ex-boyfriend, Shawn Doyle, violently attacked her. Years later, she learned Doyle had murdered a mother of two young boys. Opanowski has now spoken out publicly about her ordeal and how she found the courage to testify against her attacker.

“

My mother was going away for the weekend. … so I had this whole big house to myself. …And my friend Shannon and I … we were very close … I said, "well, let's stay at my house 'cause there's no one around."

The incident occurred on Jan. 27, 1996, while Opanowski was home alone during her first semester of college. Her friend, Shannon McCauliffe, had joined her for a "girls' night." Doyle, who had been broken up with Opanowski for about four months, repeatedly called her house, demanding to know their whereabouts and if he could visit. Opanowski initially refused to turn off her cellphone, fearing he would come to her house if he couldn't reach her.

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it was just a girls' night. We just wanted to chill out.

After McCauliffe left to get dressed, Doyle appeared at Opanowski's door, claiming he only wanted to talk. Once inside, his demeanor changed drastically. He pushed Opanowski onto the couch, restrained her, and yelled at her. He then pushed her against French doors, repeatedly banging her head against them. Opanowski recounted that he choked her and cut off her ponytail, leaving her in shock and fearing for her life.

“

Yes. He was obnoxious. … she would argue with him a lot on the phone.

McCauliffe, unable to reach Opanowski by phone after leaving, grew concerned. Opanowski, in a state of shock, realized she needed to escape the terrifying situation. Her testimony later proved vital in Doyle's conviction for murder.

“

Mm-hmm. … Wanting to know what we're doing, wanting to know if he can come over. … She had a cellphone and I was like, "just turn it off." Like she's like, no, 'cause if I turn it off, he's gonna come here.