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Dean Ripa

Case from Wilmington, NC dated May 13, 2017

Victim Details

Dean Ripa

Male

White / Caucasian

Wilmington

NC

2017-05-13

60

Dean

Ripa

06/27/2026

Case Description

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Dean Ripa, a 60-year-old male from Wilmington, NC, was tragically killed on May 13, 2017. Dean Ripa was the owner of the Cape Fear Serpentarium, a well-known snake zoo in the area. On the day of his death, Dean Ripa was shot multiple times, including three times in the head, in the upstairs living quarters of the Serpentarium. His wife, Regina Ripa, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death. Regina Ripa, a 42-year-old female, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in ...
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Links to Additional Sources (8)

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  • Wilmington Star News: Serpentarium owner killed in Saturday shooting
  • Insanity ruling ends the sad final chapter of Sepentarium owner ...
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    Forum Posts (3)

    Hey everyone,
    I've been reflecting on the closure of the Cape Fear Serpentarium and the role it p... ...Read More
    01/19/2025
    I found myself really moved by the story of Dean Ripa and how it not only ended in such a tragic way... ...Read More
    12/28/2023
    I keep thinking about the closure of the Cape Fear Serpentarium and how it marks the end of an era f... ...Read More
    04/01/2023
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