The Ansonia man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child made his first appearance before a judge Thursday.

Andre LeFrancois was arrested Wednesday in the death of Rosali Acquafreda.

Acquafreda's mother says she is still in denial that her daughter is really gone. She spoke publicly for the first time Thursday afternoon after family and friends attended the brief hearing.

"My daughter suffered for over five years with this man," said Melissa Acquafreda. "All I can say is she's free now. Unfortunately, she literally suffered until the day he took her life."

LeFrancois, 22, appeared in Milford Superior Court on charges of murder and risk of injury to a child in connection to his ex-girlfriend's death.

Rosali Aquafreda was found stabbed to death in a yard on North Coe Lane in Ansonia Sunday. She was 20 years old and shared a 3-year-old son with LeFrancois.

The judge ordered LeFrancois have no contact with his child or Rosali Aquafreda's family. He has no criminal record but News 12 learned in court that there are previous police reports with Rosalie Acquafreda as the victim.

Rosali Acquafreda's current boyfriend did not want to talk about specifics since he is a witness in the case. Christian Federici previously said Rosali Acquafreda was scared of LeFrancois.

"He's an evil person and I'm just going to leave it at that," said Federici. "I love you Rosie and I'm going to be strong for you and we're going to get justice for you."

LeFrancois' arrest warrant is sealed so not much is known about the case against him. Court records show he and Rosali Acquafreda were in the middle of a custody battle. Their son is now staying with her family.

"I promise Rosie I will do whatever it takes to make sure he's safe," said Melissa Acquafreda.

LeFrancois' bond remains at $750,000. If he's able to post it, he will have to wear a GPS ankle monitor at all times.

Rosali Acquafreda's murder is the second domestic violence killing in Ansonia in the past year. Christine Holloway was beaten to death last December. Police arrested Jose Morales, the father of her child.

That little girl, Vanessa Morales, has been missing since her mother's death.

Arrest made in stabbing death of young mother found on Ansonia road