Police Find Father And Son Dead

"CHESHIRE, CT — Police say the two shooting deaths Tuesday in a Cornwall Avenue home were a murder-suicide in which a father apparently killed his son.

"Police identified the victims Wednesday morning as 19-year-old Christopher A. Settembri and 48-year-old Christopher P. Settembri. They said in a press release Wednesday morning that the younger Settembri was found in a downstairs bedroom with a fatal wound and that the elder Settembri was found in an upstairs bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted wound.

"`Evidence indicates that the elder male shot and killed the younger male before taking his own life,` Lt. Brian Pichnarcik said in the release.

"Police Chief Neil Dryfe said officers were called to the home at about 4 p.m. by someone calling from within the ranch-style home at 772 Cornwall Ave., not far from Doolittle Elementary School. The two victims, both adults, were found in different parts of the home, Dryfe said.

"`There’s no continuing danger to the public,` he said. `We believe that we have everyone involved accounted for.`

"Neighbors said a family of six lives in the house where the shooting occurred. They described the Settembri family as `troubled,` with one woman saying she was not comfortable letting her children play at the home. They have three younger children in addition to 19-year-old Christopher."

Source: New Haven Register...

Chatty Neighbors Discuss Dead Couple With Reporters

"WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Two people are dead after a murder/suicide was reported at a home in Windsor Locks on Monday afternoon, police said.

"Officers were called to a home on 37 Webb Street around 1:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers located the body of a man and woman.

"Investigators said they believe a husband shot his wife and then killed himself. Police said the murder/suicide was `domestic-related` and there was `no danger to the greater community.`

"Neighbors told [reporters] the couple, which was in their 40s, had lived at the home for years and had children, possibly three.

"`The boy rides by on his bike,` said Peter Lefevre, of Windsor Locks. `The girl plays in the yard. But the parents I have never talked to them. They walk by and I say 'hi,' but they don't say much.`

"Eyewitness News has learned the husband was home a lot and neighbors said he was unemployed for a while.

"`I am sad, if that's him,` said neighbor Doreen Pilotte. `I am sad that he sat on his porch and no one knew he was hurting so much.`

"Neighbors said the family has lived on the street for at least 10 years.

"`It's sad. It's a sad world we live in, sad state of affairs we live in these days,` said neighbor Dave Vaicunas.

"Neighbors also said the husband was sitting on the front steps on Monday morning, and while they have lived there for 10 years or more, they mostly kept to themselves.

"The murder/suicide remains under investigation and police would not comment further about the incident."

From wfsb.com...

Kids Run To Grandma's House During Shooting

"BRISTOL, CT — A young husband and wife were found dead in their home at 73 Henderson Street in Bristol on Wednesday morning in a murder/suicide.

"Authorities said children discovered the bodies of 26-year-old Alexander Ryng and his wife, 27-year-old Kyla Ryng and alerted neighbors.

"The medical examiner determined that Kyla's death a homicide. She had been shot in the head. Alexander's death was ruled a suicide. He also died of a gunshot to the head, according to the medical examiner.

"Kyla Ryng filed for divorce May 30, according to state court records.

"The couple's three children—ages 4 years, 3 years and 20 months—were home at the time and were not injured.

"In 911 calls released on Thursday, Kyla's mother, who lives next door, called police to report the incident around 7:14 a.m. after two of the children came to her house and told her their father was shooting their mother.

"During a news conference late on Wednesday afternoon, Bristol police Chief Thomas Grimaldi said Alexander Ryng legally purchased the weapon used in the shooting.

"According to the U.S. Army National Guard, Ryng was a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard and was based in New London."

From NBC Connecticut...

Up On The Roof

"MILFORD, CT — Two men died in a murder-suicide in Milford on Wednesday.

"Milford police originally got a call reporting a shooting at 31 Hollywood Avenue and found 56-year-old Michael Savignano shot in the chest outside, police said. He died at Bridgeport Hospital.

"While police were at the scene on Hollywood Avenue, officers saw 48-year-old Vincent Edwards running from the scene and into his house at 16 Midway Avenue.

"`[Police] surrounded the house. They spotted a man up on the roof holding a hand gun. He pointed it at the officers, at which time the officers took cover. The man fired a shot; we don’t know where that shot went,` Chief Keith Mello said. `Shortly thereafter he fired a second shot, and the male shot himself in the head and died there on the roof.`

"As of 4:10 p.m., the body was still on the roof covered in a tarp as police waited for a search warrant. Police have since secured search warrants to search the Midway Avenue house.

"Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and believe Vincent and Savignano knew each other. The nature of their relationship is unclear.

"`It was a situation that went poorly between two people,` said neighbor Jack Connors. `It was pretty much a private matter between them.`"

Read more at NBC Connecticut...

Victim, Perp Stabbed To Death

"WATERBURY, CT — Police are working to confirm the identities of a man and woman who were found dead after a murder/suicide in Waterbury.

"Police responded to the home at 258 Cooke St. around 3 p.m. after a friend of the 23-year-old female resident called police because the woman didn't show up for work and she couldn't get in touch with her.

"When officers arrived, they forced entry into the apartment where they discovered the bodies of the 23-year-old female and her 36-year-old boyfriend in the upstairs bedroom.

"Police said both appeared to have died from stab wounds to their necks.

"After autopsies were performed, the medical examiner ruled the incident a murder/suicide.

"Police said the investigation determined that the man stabbed the woman in the neck, and then stabbed himself in the neck.

"At this time, what led up to the incident remains under investigation.

"The victims have been tentatively identified, but their identities have not yet been released."

From WTNH.com...

Four Dead In Apartment Complex Rampage

"MANCHESTER, CT — Four people are dead after police said a man killed three women before turning the gun on himself late Saturday night.

"According to police, a call came in at 9:40 reporting multiple gunshots in the area of 190 Pine Street. Officers arrived on scene within about two minutes and confronted the suspect outside of an apartment building. The suspect was armed with a handgun and was carrying a baby when police arrived.

"Police said after a brief confrontation with the officers, then man put the child down and shot himself. One officer also fired at the suspect, but it appears the bullet did not strike him.

"The child was unharmed during the event and was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated.

"Police said officers entered the apartment complex and located three women in an apartment who were dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

"The identities of the victims have not been released, and police continue to investigate the event with the help of the Connecticut State police and the Hartford State's Attorney's Office."

From wfsb.com...

Officers Find Bodies In Home

"COVENTRY, CT — Two people are dead after an apparent murder/suicide at a home on Stage Road Friday night.

"Police found the bodies inside of a house at 6 Stage Rd. at about 1 a.m. Saturday, said state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance.

"Their names were not released.

"Coventry police were called to 6 Stage Road, at the corner of Grant Hill Road, just after 10 p.m. Friday for a report of a disturbance involving a firearm, Vance said. Officers established a perimeter around the home and tried to contact the occupants but were not successful.

"A regional tactical team was then called to the scene. Officers entered the home at around 1 a.m. and found two people dead.

"Preliminary investigation by the state police Eastern District Major Crime Scene Squad has determined the deaths to be the result of a murder/suicide involving a firearm, Vance said.

"Autopsies will be performed to determine the manner and cause of the deaths, Vance said."

Source: The Courant...

Killer Commits Suicide After Massacre At School

"NEWTOWN, CT — A man killed his mother at their home and then opened fire Friday inside an elementary school, massacring 26 people, including 20 children, as youngsters cowered in fear to the sound of gunshots reverberating through the building and screams echoing over the intercom.

"The 20-year-old killer, carrying at least two handguns, committed suicide at the school, bringing the death toll to 28, authorities said.

"The rampage, coming less than two weeks before Christmas, was the nation's second-deadliest school shooting, exceeded only by the Virginia Tech massacre that claimed 33 lives in 2007.

"Law enforcement officials speaking on condition of anonymity said that Lanza fatally shot his mother, Nancy Lanza, then drove to the school in her car with at least three guns, including a high-powered rifle that he apparently left in the back of the vehicle, and shot up two classrooms around 9:30 a.m.

"Authorities gave no details on exactly how the attack unfolded, but police radio traffic indicated the shooting lasted only a few minutes. State police Lt. Paul Vance said officers arrived instantaneously, immediately entered the school, searched it completely and found Lanza dead.

"In addition to the 20 children, six adults were killed at the school; the principal was believed to be among the dead. A woman who worked at Sandy Hook Elementary was wounded."

From DailyInterLake.com...

Business Dispute Leaves Two Brothers Dead

"NEW HAVEN, CT — A man shot and killed his younger brother outside the family business in New Haven Monday, then shot and killed himself at the family's home in Westport.

"The shooting happened before 8:00 a.m. this morning at Electrix on 45 Spring St. The victim, identified as Gordon Shwisha, 45, was found shot to death in the front seat of his SUV outside the family business.

"About a half an hour later the brother, Dan Shwisha, 47, went to the parents' home on 10 Rustic Lane in Westport and shot himself in the head, Westport police said. He was pronounced dead at Norwalk Hospital at 9:13 a.m.

"The parents were home at the time and made the call to 911 to get medical help.

"New Haven police spokesman Officer David Hartman said the case is being investigated as a murder-suicide.

"[Investigators were] told Dan Shwisha had an ongoing dispute about the business.

"`It appears to be a domestic violence situation. It's not a random act at all. No on has to be fearful of more shootings of this nature in this neighborhood,` Asst. Chief Archie Generoso, of NHPD, said.

"Employees were left in shock and in tears because of the shooting. They were told to go home for the day. A few workers ... described Shwisha as a caring boss who was good to workers.

"New Haven police say officers were called to the business a few weeks ago when workers found ammunition.

"Both brothers also leave behind children."

From WTNH...

No Known Motive In Death Of Pair

"NEW CANAAN, CT — The two people found dead Friday inside a New Canaan residence died as a result of murder/sucide, according to Capt. Leon Krolikowski of the New Canaan Police Department.

"On Friday, at approximately 2:40 pm., New Canaan officers responded to 131 Park St. after a report of gunshots.

"Upon arrival at the residence, officers found a deceased man and woman. The victims are identified as James Owen, 48, and Billie D. Faigout-Owen, 52.

"A preliminary investigation shows that James Owen shot Faigout-Owen before shooting himself, Krolikowski said in a press release. Both decedents were taken to the Chief Medical Examiners Office for autopsy.

"No additional information was released."

From TheHour.com...

Couple Had No Previous History With Law Enforcement

"SIMSBURY, CT — State and local police are investigating the death of a man and a woman at Simsbury apartment complex on Wednesday night.

"Dispatchers received a 911 call around 8:30 p.m. from a woman reporting a domestic dispute at the Meadows housing complex on 71 Hopmeadow Street and officers responded within five minutes, police said.

"Original reports were that police responded to a report of a shooting at the home and arrived just after 9 p.m.

"When they went inside the apartment, they found a man and woman dead.

"A 1-year-old child was also found inside the home and was not injured.

"The child is in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families, according to police.

"Police said there is no history of responding to this residence.

"State Police Major Crimes Unit is assisting in the investigation.

"Authorities have not released the names of the victims."

From NBC Connecticut...

Two Dead In "Really Nice Neighborhood"

"MERIDEN, CT — Meriden Police Detective Lieutenant Mark Walerysiak said the death of two people at 44 Eddy Ave. is being explored as a murder-suicide.

"`We're going to be speaking with neighbors to confirm that,` Walerysiak said.

"In a statement given by Walerysiak, he said a middle-aged man and woman died of gunshot wounds. Investigators arrived on the scene at about 10:45 a.m. Police said the names will not be released for 24 hours. The deaths occurred in apartment A4, Walerysiak said.

"The bodies were found when the deceased woman's daughter called in because she hadn't heard from her mother in a while. Officers forced entry and found the bodies.

"A warrant was obtained by Meriden police at about 1:30 p.m., and a team of investigators entered the home to begin processing the scene.

"Police couldn't immediately provide information on the weapon, and Walerysiak said at the time that it was unknown if the man and woman were married.

"Erric Grace, a Meriden resident who often visits a friend in the area, said that he heard that there is often arguing at the apartment.

"Caitlin Kinneen-Candelaria often visits her sister, who lives near 44 Eddy Ave. She said it's usually a `really nice neighborhood.`

"`I think it's very sad,` she said. `If that happened to me, I don't know what I would do.`

"In past visits, Kinneen-Candelaria said she often heard arguing from an apartment at 44 Eddy Ave."

From the Record-Journal...

Triple Shooting Was Attempted Double Murder/Suicide

"NORTH BRANFORD, CT — State police ate calling a triple shooting in North Branford on Saturday night a murder-suicide.

"Police said Exsell Negron, 41, shot and killed his wife, Meredith Negron, 39, shot his father-in-law and then shot and killed himself inside 55 Broke Lane just before 8 p.m. on Saturday.

"All three had been shot in the chest-abdomen area, police said.

"Autopsies will be performed on the Negrons.

"Meredith’s father, Richard Fletcher, 70, had been shot in the abdomen and was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital.

"He told the New Haven Register that his grandson was away when the shooting happened and his granddaughter was with her other grandparents.

"His wife, Jean, was outside the house at the time of the shooting and he yelled for her to call for help, the Register reports.

"The paper also reports that he won the lottery a $6 million lottery in 1995 and split the prize.

"State police and the state’s attorney are assisting North Branford police with the investigation."

From NBC Connecticut...

Officer Discovers Gruesome Scene

"STAMFORD, CT — A woman killed her mother and herself with a double-barrelled shotgun in a Long Ridge Road home recently sold in a tax sale, police said.

"Police would not identify the woman pending notification of family members. Florence Beran, 85, owned and resided in the house at 1214 Long Ridge with her daughter Susan, 57, according to public records.

"Police said a middle-aged woman killed her mother, who may have been suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

"Police seized several hunting rifles and handguns at the scene. The mother's late husband was a sportsman, according to police. Joseph Beran, Florence's husband, died in 2006.

"Officers arrived at the home at about 1 p.m. Friday in response to calls from concerned neighbors. When no one answered the door, an officer climbed a ladder and entered through a second-floor window to discover a `gruesome scene,` according to Stamford police Capt. Richard Conklin.

"Conklin said he believed the shootings occurred within the last 48 hours.

"The family owed $50,000 in taxes and recently sold the property in a tax sale, according to Conklin. He said they were behind on bills.

"There was no power at the gray house, which is surrounded by overgrown grass, weeds, brush and fallen trees. Police tape surrounded the front entrance Friday.

"Conklin said neighbors had recently been giving food and money to the family.

"The home was sold April 21.

"Susan Beran is profiled as a psychic healer on Soul Buffet, an `online community and psychics mall.`

"The state medical examiner was on the scene, along with animal control officers summoned to deal with four dogs in the house.

"The mother's body was found on the first floor, and the daughter's was on the second, police said."

From greenwichtime.com...

Man Charged With Murder After Failed Suicide Bid

"STAMFORD, CT — Police say a Stamford man who wanted to spare his mother the trauma of seeing his body after he killed himself, killed the 86-year-old woman first, then failed in his own suicide attempt.

"Anthony Fiordelisi was charged with murder and was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.

"Firefighters responded to the home the 60-year-old man shared with his mother for a medical call at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Marion Fiordelisi was found dead with her right wrist cut.

"Anthony Fiordelisi was alive but with both wrists cut.

"Authorities say he told officers that he tried to kill himself and because he did not want his mother to see him dead he wanted to make her `go to sleep.`

"It was not clear if Fiordelisi had a lawyer."

From NorwichBulletin.com...

Botched Murder/Suicide Lands Man In Jail

"HAMDEN, CT — The man charged in a murder and possible attempted suicide was out of work and living with his girlfriend, according to a member of the family.

"David Borelli, 41, has been charged with murder and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. He and the victim, Frances Piscitelli, 41, were found by police Saturday at 37 Williamson Road. She had been stabbed in the stomach and her throat was slit. She was later declared dead at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

"Borelli was bleeding from cuts on his wrist. Police are investigating whether the case is an attempted murder-suicide, Capt. Ronald Smith said Saturday.

"The family member, who did not want to be named, said Piscitelli lived in the house with her former mother-in-law, who owns the house, her two children and Borelli, who moved in several months ago.

"Piscitelli had wanted Borelli to leave, although there were no suspicions of previous arguments or physical violence, the family member said.

"`He wouldn’t move out. He sold his vehicle. He did not work. He wanted her to support him,` the family member said."

From the Post-Chronicle...

Dead Couple Were Frequent Fighters

"MILFORD, CT — Two bodies have been found in a Milford house and police are investigating it as a possible murder-suicide.

"The house is on Branca Court, near Burnt Plains Road. The bodies were discovered Friday morning.

"Residents of the York Village development where the suspected murder-suicide occurred Friday morning said the man and woman, in their 50s, fought frequently, and the police had been called to the home several times.

"`I'd see him out walking his dog, and I'd wave but he was kind of anti-social. He'd ignore me,` said Tom Minar, a Bridgeport police officer who lives nearby. `The police were here a lot. This was a domestic, there's not much you can do about those.`

"Officer Jeff Nielsen said the bodies were still inside the two-story, white raised ranch house on Branca Court early Friday afternoon.

"Police were waiting for a search warrant and to notify the remaining family, he said. Nielsen could not immediately say whether there was a restraining order against either of the couple. Neighbors said the couple had a teenaged son, who goes to school in Trumbull.

"Police and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene shortly after 9 a.m. A Milford Animal Control officer removed a large Husky dog from the house about an hour later."

From ctpost.com...

UPDATE:

11/28/2011 — Killer may have planned attack, suicide...

Pair Found Dead At Scene By State Troopers

"SOUTHBURY, CT — State Police are reporting a possible muder-suicide in Southbury.

"According to a release, Troop A in Southbury received a request at 9:26 Friday morning to conduct a well-being check at a private home at 68 Chain Trail.

"Troopers from the barracks, along with the Southbury resident state trooper and town officers responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the release said, troopers observed what appeared to be an injured victim inside the home. Troopers and officers forced entry into the residence and discovered two deceased people inside.

"Southbury EMS responded to the scene and both subjects were formally pronounced dead. The residence was secured, and the State Police Western District Major Crime Squad resonded to conduct the investigation.

"Preliminary investigation by State Police detectives revealed information and leads suggesting the deaths may represent a muder-suicide.

"The identities of the deceased were being withheld pending notification of next of kin."

Source: Litchfield County Times...

Bodies Found After House Fire

"WATERBURY, CT — A 59-year-old Waterbury man shot and killed his 39-year-old daughter, doused the couch in accelerant and ignited it and then shot himself, police said.

"Police found the bodies of Audley Morgan, 59, and his daughter, Suzette Morgan, 39, while investigating a fire at 78 Clover Street on Thursday evening.

"Firefighters had a difficult time getting into the house because the doors and windows were secured with plywood and steel.

"The Morgans were from Jamaica, neighbors said, and believed the government was after them.

"Fire officials said the home should have been vacant.

"`The building was considered to be a vacant structure. The power was shut off to the building and the building was fortified to keep vagrants or persons out,` Asst. Fire Chief Mike Couture said.

"Neighbors said the victims who lived in the house were known as `The Umbrella Guys.` They were private people who weren't out in the public much, Hotchkiss said.

"`I only got as far as we are here, and then the windows blew out. By that time, the house was engulfed in flames. Flames were shooting out,` Ed Hotchkiss, a neighbor, said. `I saw the man mowing the lawn one time with just a canopy over him.`

"The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed autopsies and said it appeared that the father shot the daughter in the head, started the fire and then shot himself in the head. "

From nbcconnecticutt.com...

Two Dead After "Isolated Incident"

"SOUTHINGTON, CT — A woman and her ex-husband are dead following an apparent murder suicide that occurred outside a home on 47 West Street Saturday morning.

"Saudina Mehovic, 37, the homeowner according to Southington property records, was shot and stabbed in the driveway of the home according to police. Nurija Mehovic, 48, the woman's ex-husband, went to the wooded area behind the home following the incident and shot himself once, police said.

"Both were pronounced dead after being taken to area hospitals said Southington Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma.

"`We received a call about 10:30 a.m. with reports that a woman had been shot and stabbed,` said Southington Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma. `We arrived to find the woman in the driveway. The man suspected of shooting her had gone into a wooded area and shot himself.`

"A handgun appeared to be used in the incident but police were unable to say whether the man owned the gun of if he had a weapons permit.

"DePalma said the incident is considered `isolated` and that the two were known to each other."

Source: SouthingtonPatch...