Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee

upon 

further examination 

Findings and Recommendations from 

the Connecticut Domestic Violence 

Fatality Review Committee

upon further examination 

Findings and Recommendations from 

the Connecticut Domestic Violence 

Fatality Review Committee 

This report is a product of the Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality 

Review Committee, a collaboration of private, public and non-profit 

organizations operating throughout Connecticut. 

Written by 

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

East Hartford, CT 

July 2011, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. All rights reserved. 

Permission to reproduce any portion of this report is granted, on the condition that 

the title is included and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence is 

fully credited.

This report is dedicated to Shirley Pierce Bostrom and 

Lawrence J. Bostrom, the surviving parents of Margaret 

Bostrom, PhD. Margaret tragically lost her life at the hands 

of her abusive husband on August 16, 1996. 

No words can adequately express their commitment to 

ending domestic violence. The Bostroms travel extensively 

throughout the country to tell their story, and to lend their 

support and encouragement to others who have 

experienced a tragic loss due to domestic violence. 

Findings

In This Report 

We are We grateful are grateful to the to following the following people people who who served served on the on Connecticut the Connecticut Domestic 

Domestic Violence Violence Fatality Fatality Review Review Team Team since since its inception its inception June in June 2001. 2001. 

J 

Table of Contents 

Page 2 

Acknowledgements 

Page 3 

History and Overview 

Page 4 

Mission and Objectives 

Pages 5-6 

Methodology 

Pages 7-11 

Findings and Recommendations 

Pages 12-17 

Data Findings 

Pages 18-19 

Fatalities

Acknowledgements 

Penni Micca, Chair 

We are We grateful are grateful to the to following the following people people who who served served on the on Connecticut the Connecticut Domestic 

Interval House 

Domestic Violence Violence Fatality Fatality Review Review Team Team since since its inception its inception June in June 2001. 2001. 

Margaret Rosa, Coordinator 

CCADV 

When the systematic evaluation of domestic homicide began, research focused on 

This report is being issued by the 

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic 

Violence Judith (CCADV) Rossi, Esq. and its Connecticut 

Domestic Howard Violence Shaw, MD. Fatality Review 

H. Wayne Carver II, M.D. 

Committee. Judith Rossi, Esq. 

Lisa Howard Holden Shaw, MD 

The Al Patrick Connecticut Harper, Hynes, PhD. Domestic PhD. Violence 

Fatality Lawrence Review 

Deborah Stanley, 

Bostrom Committee works to 

PhD. 

prevent Shirley future Bostrom deaths by conducting 

multi-disciplinary, Maureen 

Lawrence 

Whalen 

Bostrom systemic examinations 

of violent 

Ronni Shirley intimate 

Selko Pierce partner Bostromfatalities. 

Tonya Patricia Johnson Froehlich, Esq. 

A special thanks goes out to the family 

Linda 

Faith 

Blozie 

members Vos of Winkel homicide victims who 

Margaret Rosa 

were 

Deborah 

Al willing Harper, to 

Stanley, 

PhD. talk with us about the 

struggles they faced. 

PhD. 

Those who serve 

Patrick Linda J. Hynes, Cimino 

on the Domestic PhD. Violence Fatality 

Review Faith Lori Committee Rivenburgh 

Vos Winkel also deserve thanks 

for Linda their Beau dedication Thurnauer 

J. Cimino and commitment to 

facing H. Wayne the tragedies Carver, in MD their community 

Howard 

Penni Micca 

and learning Sovronsky from them. 

Penni Margaret Micca Rosa 

country. Kevin Tonya Dunn, Johnson Esq. 

Kenneth 

Dana Brandon 

Edwards 

Beau Thurnauer 

Patricia 

Ronni Selko 

Froehlich, Esq. 

Lori Lisa Rivenburgh 

Holden 

Dana Linda Brandon Blozie 

Maureen Whalen 

Alison Cares, PhD. 

Matthew DeMichele 

Howard Sovronsky 

Kevin Dunn, Esq. 

Kenneth Edwards 

analyzing the trends in intimate partner homicide. These trends looked at concrete factors 

of domestic violence homicide such as age, race, ethnicity, history of domestic violence 

within the relationship, prior threats to kill the victim, agency contacts, criminal history 

and the presence of alcohol or drugs. From this research it was determined that men and 

women kill their intimate partners for different reasons. Specifically, men kill their 

partners as a final outcome to an ongoing pattern of abuse, whereas women typically kill 

in self-defense (Websdale, 1999). Although there has been a lot of research on domestic 

violence that led to legislation which protects victims, Office of there Chief are State’s still a Attorney disproportionate 

number of domestic violence victims being killed Kenneth by their Edwards abusive partners, and a number 

of female victims killing their abusive partners. By the 1990s, a few states and local 

jurisdictions began investigating circumstances surrounding domestic homicides. From 

these preliminary inquiries, fatality review teams began to formulate throughout the 

Fatality review teams serve to gather a group of diverse professionals together to evaluate 

domestic homicides. These reviews function to Lori examine Rivenburgh the lives of the victim and 

perpetrator prior to the incident, events surrounding the death, and if there were any gaps 

in service delivery. From this data gathering, agencies Community can begin Health to Resources explore what changes, 

if any, need to be made to better serve members of our community. These reviews can be 

useful for enhancing prevention and interventions programs that exist to prevent such 

deaths from occurring in the future. 

Linda Blozie 

CCADV 

Larry Bostrom 

Survivors of Homicide 

Shirley Bostrom 

Survivors of Homicide 

Linda J. Cimino 

Office of Victim Services 

Members 

Kevin Dunn 

Howard Shaw, MD. 

Judith Rossi, Esq. 

Office of the Chief State’s Attorney Lisa Holden 

Al Harper, PhD. 

Patricia Froehlich 

Lawrence Bostrom 

Office of the State’s Attorney Shirley Bostrom 

Windham District 


Ronni Selko 

Patrick Hynes 

Tonya Johnson 

Department of Correction 

Linda Blozie 

Tonya Johnson 

Margaret Rosa 

Deborah Stanley, PhD. 

CCADV 

Patrick Hynes, PhD. 

Faith Vos Winkel 

Women’s Support Services Linda J. Cimino 

H. Wayne Carver, MD 

Howard Sovronsky Howard Sovronsky 

Penni Micca 



East Hartford Police Department 




Patricia Froehlich, Esq. 

Office of the Child Advocate Lori Rivenburgh 

Dana Brandon 

2

History and Overview 

In the 

We 

1990s, 

are We grateful 

a few 

are grateful to 

states 

the to following 

and local 

the following people 

jurisdictions 

people who who served 

began 

served on 

investigating 

the on Connecticut 

the circumstances 

the Connecticut Domestic 

surrounding domestic homicides. From these preliminary inquiries, fatality review 

Domestic Violence Violence Fatality Fatality Review Review Team Team since since its inception its inception June in June 2001. 

teams began to formulate throughout the country. Fatality review teams 2001. serve to 

gather a group of diverse professionals together to evaluate domestic homicides. 

When the systematic evaluation of domestic homicide began, research focused on 

analyzing the trends in intimate partner homicide. These trends looked at concrete 

factors Judith of Rossi, domestic Esq. violence homicide such as age, race, ethnicity, history of 

domestic Howard Shaw, violence MD. within the relationship, prior threats to kill the victim, agency 


contacts, Judith Rossi, criminal Esq. history and the presence of alcohol or drugs. 

Lisa Howard Holden Shaw, MD 

As Al Patrick time Harper, passed, Hynes, PhD. PhD. these reviews expanded to examine the lives of the victim and 

perpetrator Lawrence 

Deborah Stanley, 

Bostrom prior to the incident, including events surrounding the death. They 

PhD. 

then Shirley identified Bostromany gaps in service delivery. From this data gathering, domestic 

violence Maureen 

Lawrence agencies Whalen 

Bostromhave begun to explore what changes, if any, need to be made 

to Ronni Shirley better Selko serve Pierce victims. Bostrom These reviews are useful tools for enhancing programs 

and 

Tonya 

will 

Patricia Johnson 

serve to prevent future deaths. 


Linda 

Faith 

Blozie 

Upon the Vos request Winkel of Connecticut residents, Shirley and Larry Bostrom, the Connecticut 

Margaret Rosa 


Coalition 

Deborah 

Al Harper, Against 

Stanley, 

PhD. Domestic Violence (CCADV) established a Fatality Review Committee 

in October 2001. When 

PhD. 

the Bostroms approached CCADV about implementing 

Judith Rossi, 

a 

Esq. 

Patrick Linda J. Hynes, Cimino 

review team, the PhD. premise was to gather professionals who might not have Lisa otherwise Holden 

collaborated Faith Lori Rivenburgh 

Vos Winkel for this process. In an effort to develop an understanding Al of Harper, barriers PhD. 

domestic Linda 


J. Cimino violence victims face and to prevent these types of fatalities, Lawrence the Bostrom 

Connecticut H. Wayne Carver, Domestic MD Violence Fatality Review Committee was created. Shirley Bostrom 

Howard 

Penni Micca 

Sovronsky 


Penni Margaret Micca Rosa 

Ronni Selko 

Kevin Tonya Dunn, Johnson Esq. 

Tonya Johnson 

Kenneth 

Dana Brandon 

Edwards 

Linda Blozie 


Margaret Rosa 

Patricia 

Ronni Selko 



Lori Lisa Rivenburgh 

Holden 


Dana Linda Brandon Blozie 








Penni Micca 








Lori Rivenburgh 

Dana Brandon 

3

Mission and Objectives 

The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee works to prevent future 

deaths by conducting multi-disciplinary, systemic examinations of violent intimate partner 

fatalities. 

The Committee’s objectives are to: 

. Enhance the safety of victims and accountability of batterers 

. Identify systemic gaps and barriers to service 

. Implement coordinated community responses 

. Influence public policy for intervention and prevention 

The Committee brings together key individuals in social service, medical, education, 

advocacy and justice systems for detailed examinations of domestic violence fatalities. 

The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee does not and will not 

assign blame for fatalities to individuals, agencies or institutions. The perpetrator of 

the homicide is assumed to be ultimately responsible for the fatality. Rather than 

investigate these fatalities, the Committee conducts a reflective review by creating Howard an Shaw, MD. 

environment conducive to open and honest conversations for the purpose of Judith effecting Rossi, Esq. 

positive change. The Committee focuses on community responses to domestic Lisa violence Holden 

such as services, policy, practice, training, information, communication, collaboration Al Harper, and PhD. 

resources. 

Definition of a Domestic Violence Fatality 

The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee 

defines a domestic violence fatality as a death that arises from 

an individual’s efforts to assert power and control over his/her 

intimate partner. 

The fatalities in this report include: 

. Any homicide in which the victim was an intimate partner 

or former intimate partner of the individual responsible 

for the homicide. 

. Any suicide of the perpetrator of an intimate partner 

fatality. 




Ronni Selko 

Tonya Johnson 

Linda Blozie 

Margaret Rosa 







Penni Micca 






Dana Brandon 

4

Methodology 

The Committee selects cases to be reviewed with three criteria in mind. All criminal and 

civil cases pertaining to the victim and perpetrator must be closed with no pending appeals. 

All murder-suicides are available for review and lastly, the date of the homicide does not 

extend beyond five years. Once the cases are selected, the Committee conducts a 

detailed review of all public records and other documentation related to these homicides, 

and meets with family members, friends and individuals who came in contact with the 

victim. A timeline, a linear chronology of the case, is then constructed. The timeline 

focuses on the principal markers of the case and enables the Committee: (1) to see 

how Judith and when Rossi, the Esq. batterer’s tactics escalated over time, (2) to look at the red flags as 

they H. pertain Wayne to Carver both the II, batterer M.D. and the victim, (3) to review the community’s involvement 

in the 

Howard 

case 

Shaw, 

and (4) 

MD 

to make recommendations to community stakeholders with full 

expectation of implementation. The following outlines the collection tools employed 

by the Patrick Committee. Hynes, PhD. 



Medical Examiner Reports 

Medical Shirley Examiner Pierce reports Bostromare gathered to determine the cause of death, manner of death, 

age, Patricia gender Froehlich, and race of Esq. the victim. In addition, these reports are also used to determine 

if there 

Faith 

was 

Vos 

a presence 

Winkel 

of drugs or alcohol in the victim’s system at the time of death; in 

the homicide-suicide cases the perpetrator’s autopsy report is also obtained to determine 



presence of drugs or alcohol. 



Police 

Lori 

Reports 

Lisa Holden 

Rivenburgh 

Police reports relating to both the perpetrator and victim are requested from Al the Harper, city or PhD. 

town Beau of the Thurnauer homicide occurrence. These reports are used to determine Lawrence if known Bostrom 

circumstances Penni Micca of domestic violence existed prior to the fatality and to gather data Shirley regarding Bostrom 

the circumstances 

Margaret Rosa 

surrounding the homicide. 


Ronni Selko 

Criminal Tonya Justice Johnson Inquiry 

Tonya Johnson 

At the Dana State Brandon of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch Homepage (www.jud.ct.gov), Linda the case Blozie 

look-up 

Ronni 

feature 

Selko 

provides information about all criminal and family court proceedings Margaret Rosa 

throughout the state. From this information, it can be determined if there was a Deborah history of Stanley, PhD. 

restraining Lisa Holden orders against the perpetrator, pending divorce proceedings and child Patrick custody Hynes, PhD. 

motions. Linda Additionally, Blozie the Committee used data from the Connecticut Department of Faith Correction Vos Winkel 

homepage 

Maureen 

(www.ct.gov/doc) 

Whalen 

that provides public information regarding the sentencing status 


of offenders. 





Penni Micca 









Dana Brandon 

5

Methodology 

Interviews 

When possible, interviews are conducted with friends and family members. Generally, 

the Committee appoints members who have direct experience with the loss of a loved 

one to conduct the interviews. Previous to meeting with friends or family members, 

they are contacted via letter or telephone to seek their permission to be interviewed and 

to explain the fatality review process. Interviewing surviving friends and family is not 

mandatory in the data collection process, but the Committee recognizes that the 

insights that may be offered are unique and an important part of getting to know the 

victim. 



Media Howard Reports Shaw, MD 

Most media outlets in Connecticut provide some type of coverage when there is a 

domestic 

Patrick 

violence 

Hynes, PhD. 

related fatality. CCADV maintains an inventory of all domestic 

violence Deborah related Stanley, articles PhD. and those related to fatalities are cataloged for use in 

the Lawrence review process. Bostrom 

Shirley Pierce Bostrom 






Linda “Alice J. Cimino drove 18 wheel trucks. She was a 

Lisa Holden 

Lori 100 Rivenburgh lb woman. Pink shirt, Pomeranian 


Beau 

dog 

Thurnauer 

and a hard hat, adventure was her 


middle name.” 

Penni Micca 



Margaret Tom Rosa Mealy, brother of Alice Morrin 

Ronni Selko 

Tonya Johnson 

Tonya Johnson 

Dana Brandon 

Linda Blozie 

Ronni Selko 

Margaret Rosa 


Lisa Holden 


Linda Blozie 








Penni Micca 







Patricia Froehlich, Esq 


Dana Brandon 

6


Use of Domestic Violence Services/Knowledge of Domestic Violence 

Interviews and research indicated that in the vast majority of fatalities reviewed in 

Connecticut, victims did not reach out to their local domestic violence agency. 

In Connecticut there are eighteen domestic violence agencies that provide a full range 

of comprehensive services including but not limited to a 24 hour hotline, counseling, 

educational and support groups, advocacy in court and with area providers, children’s 


programs, emergency shelter, training and community education. 


Family Howard interviews Shaw, MD conducted indicated that victims were not aware that domestic 

violence services existed. They also reported that they were not always aware 


that domestic violence was occurring within the relationship. If they knew about 

the Deborah violence, Stanley, they maintained PhD. that they did not have the information about how to 

help Lawrence a friend Bostrom or family member who is being abused. 





Recommendations 




Lisa Holden 

Lori 1. Rivenburgh CCADV in collaboration with its member domestic violence agencies will 


assess its communication strategies in regard to service delivery. 



Penni 2. CCADV Micca shall initiate a public information campaign to heighten awareness 


in regard to the availability of and access to domestic violence services. Maureen Whalen 

Margaret Rosa 

Ronni Selko 

Tonya 

3. CCADV 

Johnson 

shall initiate collaboration with media representatives to produce Tonya Johnson 

Dana a Brandon media guide for the reporting of domestic violence fatalities to include Linda Blozie 

Ronni where Selkohelp is available. 

Margaret Rosa 


Lisa 

4. 

Holden 

CCADV will utilize traditional and non-traditional opportunities to reach Patrick Hynes, PhD. 

Linda the Blozie public through media, social networking and community action. Faith Vos Winkel 







Penni Micca 





We refer to domestic violence services as shelters when a more appropriate term 

would Kenneth be domestic Edwards 


violence agencies. Referring to these agencies as Patricia shelters Froehlich, is Esq. 

an inaccurate representation of the many services they offer for Lori victims. Rivenburgh 

Dana Brandon 

7

Findings Findings and and Recommendations 

Children and Domestic Violence 

In all but one case that was reviewed, there were children present when the fatality 

occurred, including children who were not related to the family. According to family 

interviews, family members or other loved ones took the primary responsibility for the 

parenting of the surviving children. 

Children who live with domestic violence face increased risks: the risk of exposure to 


traumatic events, the risk of neglect, the risk of being directly abused, and the risk of 

losing H. one Wayne or both Carver of their II, M.D. parents. All of these may lead to negative outcomes for children 

and Howard may affect Shaw, their MD well-being, safety, and stability (Carlson, 2000; Edleson, 1999; 

Rossman, 2001). 





Patricia Froehlich, Esq. Recommendations 


1. CCADV will collaborate with lead child advocates within state and local 

Al Harper, 

government 

PhD. 

to develop and implement early intervention strategies 

Linda for J. Cimino children exposed to domestic violence. 

Findings Lori and Rivenburgh Recommendations 

2. CCADV will work to amend CGS § 54-216 to include children who witness 


a domestic violence crime. 

Penni Micca 

Margaret 3. The Rosa Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee shall seek 

to collaborate with the Child Fatality Review Committee/Office of the 

Tonya 

Child 

Johnson 

Advocate to strengthen its review process and recommendations. 

Dana Brandon 

Ronni 4. CCADV Selko will work with lead public safety officials to develop protocols in 

regard to the provision of immediate trauma responsive services for 

Lisa Holden 

children who witness or are present during a domestic violence fatality. 

Linda Blozie 






Services for children who witness domestic violence are the least funded of all 

domestic Kenneth violence Edwards services in Connecticut. In 2010, over 1,200 children received 

services from a domestic violence agency. 

8


Precipitating Factors 

For each fatality reviewed, the Committee determined that events existed that were 

driving factors in the commission of the murder. For the perpetrator, it appeared 

that a divorce, break-up of the relationship or the loss of parental/custodial rights of 

children remained high as precipitating factors for the fatality. 

Stalking 

Judith 

the 

Rossi, 

victim 

Esq. 

was a common theme in many of these fatalities, as well as previous 

property H. Wayne damage Carver or other II, M.D. non-violent crimes. 

Howard Shaw, MD 

According to Jacquelyn Campbell, PhD, RN of Johns Hopkins University and a leading 

expert 

Patrick 

on lethality 

Hynes, PhD. 

assessment, “Lethality risk assessment needs to be distinguished 

from Deborah risk of reassault. Stanley, PhD. Although the risk factors are overlapping, they are not exactly 

the Lawrence same.”(Commentary Bostrom on Websdale: Lethality Assessment Approaches: Reflections 

on their Use and Ways Forward,2005. ) 







Findings 

Lori 

and 

Rivenburgh 


Beau 1. CCADV Thurnauer will facilitate the distribution of public information targeted 

Penni towards Micca professionals (legal, public safety, medical and educators) 

to heighten awareness of factors that contribute to the commission 

Margaret 

of domestic 

Rosa 

violence homicides. 

Tonya Johnson 

Dana 2. CCADV Brandon will seek to strengthen the family violence information in 

Ronni the Selko Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers’ Field Manual, also known 

as “The Red Book.” 

Lisa Holden 

Linda Blozie 






While Kenneth a perpetrator’s Edwards behavior may have been shocking to family and friends, 

there were precipitating factors that increased the likelihood 

that domestic violence would end in murder. 

9


Weapons 

Per CGS § 46b-38b, police can seize any firearm in plain view at the scene of a 

domestic violence incident. In addition, the issuance of a protective order requires 

the surrender of weapons by the perpetrator. Currently, the surrender of any weapons 

in domestic violence cases can be made to anyone with a state permit to carry a pistol. 

Gunshot Judith wounds Rossi, Esq. were the number one cause of death in all the domestic violence 

fatalities H. Wayne under Carver review. II, According M.D. to Arthur Kellerman, MD, MPH of Emory University, 

having Howard a gun Shaw, in the MD home makes it three times more likely that someone will be murdered 

by a family member or intimate partner ("Men, Women, and Murder: Gender-Specific 

Differences Patrick Hynes, in Rates PhD. of Fatal Violence and Victimization," Journal of Trauma 33, July 

1992). Deborah Stanley, PhD. 





Al Harper, PhD. Recommendations 


1. Effective October 1, 2011, changes to CGS § 29-36k regarding the 

Lori Rivenburgh transfer of pistols and revolvers will prohibit domestic violence 

Beau Thurnauer perpetrators from surrendering their weapons to persons other 

than law enforcement or a federally-licensed firearms dealer. 

Penni Micca 

CCADV will evaluate the new law to determine its effectiveness 

Margaret and Rosa make recommendations for change as necessary. 

Tonya Johnson 

2. The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee will 

Dana Brandon 

seek to add a representative from a gun advocacy organization to 

Ronni its Selko committee. 

Lisa Holden 

Linda Blozie 







Kenneth Over Edwards a ten year period, guns were the number one 

cause of death in domestic violence fatalities. 

(Connecticut Department of Public Safety, 

Family Violence Homicide Reports 2000-2009) 

10


Training 

The review committee held several discussions throughout the year on the high level 

of work provided by first responders, law enforcement, advocates and other professionals. 

Throughout these discussions, the Committee examined the training provided to 

each group. These conversations were not a criticism of the training that individuals 

received; Judith Rossi, instead, Esq. the Committee looked at what supplemental training they may 

need H. to Wayne further Carver assist II, victims. M.D. Securing additional resources to provide an enhanced 

response Howard to Shaw, domestic MD violence was an on-going issue. 


It was Deborah determined Stanley, that PhD. training and professional development must be provided 

utilizing a cross-disciplinary, collaborative delivery model. Trainers should have 


a range of experience in domestic violence. 


The 

Patricia 

systemic 

Froehlich, 

response 

Esq. 

to the victim, offender or family experiencing domestic violence 

is critical. Faith Vos The Winkel outcome is informed by the skill, training and professional development 

of the Al Harper, individual PhD. providing assistance. 




Penni Micca 


Margaret Rosa 

Tonya Johnson 

1. CCADV will initiate discussions with the public safety sector to 

Dana Brandon 

identify training needs in the areas of stalking, harassment, and 

Ronni lethality. Selko 

Lisa Holden 

Linda 2. Blozie CCADV will provide advanced training on trauma informed services 

Maureen to its Whalen member domestic violence agencies. 


Matthew 3. CCADV DeMichele will partner with the Connecticut Bar Association to identify 

professional development opportunities. 




Everyone who comes in contact with a domestic violence victim must have the 

necessary skills and training to respond in the most effective manner. We must 

be fully prepared as this may be a victim’s only opportunity to get help. 

11



Data Findings 

A Decade in Review 

Information for these ten year data findings has been provided by the State of Connecticut 

Department of Public Safety. It may not be inclusive of all fatalities but is the most 

reliable source of information at this time. 

The review committee began by examining cases that have occurred from 2000 through 

2009. The total number of intimate partner fatalities is 146. As the distribution shows, the 

number of domestic homicides in Connecticut waivered throughout the years. The highest 

incidence of domestic violence fatalities occurred in 2004 (n=21) while the lowest 

number Girlfriend/Boyfriend 

occurred in 2009 (n=10). From 2006-2009, there is an overall decline of 18.75%. 

25 

20 

Live-In 

15 

dings and Recommendations 


Judith 

Child 

Rossi, 10 

In 

Esq. 

Common 

Lisa Holden 

5 



0 


2000 Spouse 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 


Ronni Selko 

Murder/Suicides 

Tonya Johnson 

Linda Blozie 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 

Research Margaret has Rosa indicated that a significant percentage of homicide-suicides are preceded 

by Deborah a long history Stanley, of battering PhD. experienced by the female victim (Currens, 1991). 





42 cases 

were murder 


suicides 

Penni Micca 

(29%) 



Beau Thurnauer104 cases 

Patricia Froehlich, wereEsq. 

homicides 


(71%) 

Dana Brandon 

12

Data Findings 

Girlfriend/Boyfriend 



Lisa Holden 





Ronni Selko 

Tonya Johnson 

Linda Blozie 

Margaret Rosa 







Penni Micca 



Live-In 

Child In Common 

Spouse 

2000-2009 

Domestic Violence Intimate Partner 

Fatalities by City/Town 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 



Lisa Holden 





Ronni Selko 

Tonya Johnson 

Linda Blozie 

Margaret Rosa 

Deborah Stanley, Ph 

Patrick Hynes, PhD 



H. Wayne Carver, M 


Penni Micca 


13 


Beau Thurnauer

Data Findings 

Victim’s Age and Gender 

75% of all domestic violence homicide victims were 20-49 years old. 20-49 year olds 

make up only 40% of the overall population of Connecticut. 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 


Data Findings 

Offender’s Age 

69% of all homicides were committed by individuals in the age range of 20-49 years 

old. 20-49 year olds make up only 40% of the overall population of Connecticut. 

50 

45 


40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

Live-In 


Deborah Stanley, P 

Patrick Hynes, PhD 

H. Wayne Carver, M 


Patricia Froehlich, 

Findings 

Data Findings 

Gender 

The greatest number of homicide victims were female, while the greatest number of 

homicide perpetrators were male. 

Homicide Victims 


13% of homicide 

victims were male 

Live-In 

. 


Spouse 

Homicide Perpetrators 

87% of homicide victims 

were female 

90 % of homicide 

perpetrators were male 

10% of homicide 

perpetrators 

were female 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 

Howard Shaw, 

Judith Rossi, E 

Lisa Holden 

Al Harper, PhD 

Lawrence Bostr 


Maureen Whale 

Ronni Selko 

Tonya Johnson 

Linda Blozie 

Margaret Rosa 

Deborah Stanle 

Patrick Hynes, 

Faith Vos Wink 


H. Wayne Carv 

Howard Sovron 

Penni Micca 

Kevin Dunn, Es 

Kenneth Edwar 

Beau Thurnaue 

Patricia Froehli 

Lori Rivenburg 

Dana Brandon 

16

Findings 

Data Findings 

Relationship Status 

35% of all homicide victims were married to their perpetrator at the time of their death, 

whereas 25% of victims were living with their partner; 27% were identified as a girlfriend 

or boyfriend; and 13% had a child in common. 

60 

50 

40 


30 

20 

10 

0 

Live-In 

. 


Cause of Death 

The cause of death for most of the victims was a gunshot wound(s) (n=58). Over 

half (n=74) were killed by a form of intimate contact such as via stabbing, strangulation 

or beating. 

70 

Spouse 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 

hD. 

. 

D 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Gun Knife Physical Force Other 

Esq. 

17

Findings 

Fatalities 

Through this body of work, the Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee 

honors all who have lost their lives to domestic violence. According to reports compiled 

by the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, the following individuals lost their 

lives due to intimate partner violence. This list does not include any children or 

bystanders who may have been killed as well. 

Sheila Alexander-Caldwell 

Sergia Alfinez 

Patricia Austin 


Lisa Aviles 

Layla Banks 

Sharon Barnaby 

Michelle Barrows 

Shara Bartholomew Live-In 

Whitney Bass 

Michelle Beaulieu 

Judy Beckwith 

Francisca Child Benedetto In Common 

Vonda Bennings 

Christine Blakeslee 

Donna Bochicchio 

Monserrate Bonilla 

Lynn Bosert 

Spouse 

Cynthia Broadbent 

Debbie Brown 

Martha Brown 

Shaneya Brown 

Jessenia Calderon 

Elizabeth Carlson 

Veronica Campos 

Ann Cassia 

Urime Ceku 

Jean Chapman 

Marie Chucia 

Page Chyung 

Robin Cloutier 

Rose Conrad 

Miriam Cortes 

Jose Cotto 

Laurie Courtemarch 

Donald Davis 

Christine DeFelice 

Joan Derrett 

Daayon Devane 

Catherine Donnelly 

Constance Doughty 

Barbara Eckert 

Brandi-Lynn Fambrough 

William Farrell 

Carol Ferenz 

Lisa Figueroa 

Mercedes Figueroa 

Holly Flannery 

Judy Gagliardi 

Sharon Gary 

Francoise Genesse 

Josephine Giamo 

Sierra Giorgi 

Timothy Godfrey 

Maria Rosa Gonzalez 

Marilyn Gordon 

Chelsea Hansley 

Simone Harris 

Robyn Hayes 

Diane Hoagland 

Renea Irvin 

Gulande Isaac 

Wendy Jackson-Perillo 

Maryneliz Jimenez 

Teresa Jimenez 

Jeannette Jones 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 

18

Findings 

Fatalities 

Rita Joyce 

Shalanda Joyner 

Ramona Kendall 

Donald Kennedy 

Brian Kimball 

Pauline Knighton 

Gina LaCouture 

Christina Laguer 

James Langley 

Mindy Leigh 

Decieta Leslie 

Latasha Logan 

Kelly Lombard 

Jennifer Magnano 

Lizsandra Martinez 

Sandra Massol 

Ciara McDermott 

Kirk McLeod 

Jenny McMechen 

Veronica McWillie 

Cornelia Meyer 

Adriene Celeste Montiero 

Lapreea Moore 

Alice Morrin 

Heather Mullins-Keltz 

Yaritzi Myers 

Nelita Nacuf 

James Newton 

Tiana Notice 

Jose Luis Silva Oliveira 

Belinda Parker 

Desti Parnell 

Ashley Peoples 

Ilda Margarita Perez 

Danielle Piazza 

Ann Pocevic 

Anh Qui Bui 

Amanda Realie 

Elizabeth Reynes 

Norma Rivers 

Jessica Rodriguez 

Migdalia Rodriquez 

Donald Rogers 

Duprey Rosaura 

Elizabeth Ross 

Mayra Ruiz 

Susan Russell 

Gilberto Sanchez 

Aida Santiago 

Benno Schapira 

Daniel Shumaker 

Hazel Simmons 

Steven Sitton 

Judith Stevens 

Susan Stewart 

Robert Stowe 

Gina Sulser 

Danical Symons 

Shannon Tedone 

Maria Teixeira 

Analise Titus 

Pamela Trotter 

Harriet Turgeon 

Gumersinda Velez 

Debra Vigneau 

Willie Vines 

Kenneth Waldron 

Keith Watkins 

Ebony Weston 

Adrienne White 

Alquan White 

Twonna White 

Henry Whyte 

Robin Wilcox 

Tammy Williams 

Urszula Winiarski 

Patricia Woodland 

Michelle Wooley 

Wei Xia 

Zenobia Zubrowski 

19

The Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee was funded in part by the State of 

Connecticut Department of Social Services. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations 

expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of 

Connecticut Department of Social Services. 

CCA DV 

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

90 Pitkin Street . East Hartford, CT 06108 

860 . 282 . 7899 

www.ctcadv.org

Connecticut Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee

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