Cult Murder of Baby Still Unsolved

NBC- Twenty-six years after a mysterious murder of an unnamed child, Fairfield police may be closed to finding the killer



A baby bundled in bloody white blankets, just hours old, was found by the banks of Lake Mohegan in Fairfield March 14, 1986. The boy was strangled and abandoned, and left for passerby to find. Surrounding Baby Doe were signs of a sinister motive.

Fruit and coins littered the crime scene. Police believed those clues pointed to the Occult. Specifically, a little-known religion called Palo Mayombe, known to ritually use human remains. Researchers involved with the case say Palo Mayombe is a dark offshoot of the Santeria religion. Santeria is a mix of Afro-Caribbean and Catholic faiths.





“The weather was just like this. Cold, rainy,” said Fairfield Police Det. Kerry Dalling. .





The questions remain unanswered: Who killed Baby Doe? And how come no one has ever claimed him?



“It was a baby. It was an innocent child and what was done to him was horrific,” said Dalling.



The killers inflicted terrible wounds on the infant, including facial mutilation and breaking the baby's jaw. Police believe they wanted the child to be found.

 "Were they trying to send a message? Yes,” said forensic expert Richard Walter. Walter is a founding member of the Vidocq Society, a group of cold case experts sought after by law enforcement around the country to help crack unsolved cases.
 DNA evidence uncovered in the last two years has breathed new life into the case.

"The murder is not over when the body dies. The murder is over when the perp stops deriving satisfaction from the killing, Walter said. "As a consequence the people unwittingly continue to give evidence, and that's a huge advantage to the investigation if they know how to read them. That’s one of my skills,” he said.



New forensic evidence has narrowed the pool of suspects. Detectives have a DNA profile of the baby. With help from the Vidocq Society, old information has led to fresh leads. While they are careful of what they reveal, investigators are confident they have the killers in their sights.



"We're coming. And we have every intention of solving this case,” said Dalling.



They have a message for the murderers.



"Somebody is going to be knocking on your door,” warned Walter.


Police believe someone in the community knows something about the murder.


“Somebody's got to be the voice for that child,” she said.

(The former bank processing center that once stood where Sym's is now. Police think that a baby found dead at Lake Mohegan in 1986 may have been born in a bathroom stall there.)


Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Fairfield Police at 203-254-4840.

Etan Patz Case: Doctors Assess Mental State of Murder Suspect Pedro Hernandez

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - Pedro Hernandez, the man who has confessed to killing 6-year-old Etan Patz in one of New York City's and the country's most notorious missing child cases, remains in a psychiatric hospital as court-appointed doctors assess his mental state.
Defense lawyers said Hernandez, 51, has schizophrenia and a history of hallucinations and it's unclear how much that will factor in the case charging him with the Etan's 1979 murder.

If Hernandez' psychiatric record becomes an issue, he'll encounter a justice system that seeks to strike a balance between recognizing mental illness and holding people responsible for their actions. It is a balance that has shifted back and forth over more than a century and a half.


Hernandez confessed last week and is now charged with Patz's murder. The boy vanished on his way to school in his lower Manhattan neighborhood. The suspect, who had worked at a convenience store near Etan's home, confessed after hours of police questioning, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said on Friday. Kelly said Hernandez told police he lured the boy to the convenience store with the promise of a soda. He then took him into the basement and choked him.


After defense lawyer Harvey Fishbein told a judge that Hernandez was schizophrenic, bipolar, had had visual and auditory hallucinations, and had been on psychiatric medication for some time, the judge ordered an examination to see whether he was mentally fit to stand trial.



The results aren't yet known and either side could challenge the findings and get another exam. It will ultimately be up to a judge to declare whether Hernandez can go to trial. If not, he would be sent to a psychiatric hospital and evaluated periodically to see whether he had improved enough to go to court. Most people found unfit are eventually returned to court, legal experts say.



Such exams aim to assess whether someone is well enough to participate in a trial and aid his or her own defense. They are separate from an insanity defense, which revolves around the defendant's psychological state at the time of the alleged crime.



In New York and many other states, defendants have to prove they were so mentally ill that they didn't know what they were doing was wrong. If successful, they are sent to psychiatric hospitals until judged well enough for release, if ever.



One of Hernandez's sisters, Norma Hernandez, said Tuesday that she went to police in Camden, N.J., years ago to report a rumor he had confessed at a prayer group. Camden police declined to comment on her remarks.



Meanwhile, Etan's father made clear that the attention to the case since Hernandez's arrest last week had taken a toll, telling reporters they had "managed to make a difficult situation even worse."



"It is past time for you to leave me, my family and my neighbors alone," Stan Patz said in a note posted on his apartment building's door.

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It's a tragedy they had to lose their son, especially in such a henious way, but that goes to show why you should NEVER LET YOUR CHILD ROAM THE STREETS ALONE.  Especially only six years old!

WTF, even if it was the 1950s that is something you NEVER DO. Or even if just to walk "around the corner"... NEVER DO IT.

Hit-and-Run Death of Gabrielle Lee - New Haven - June 5, 2008

Governor M. Jodi Rell authorized a $10,000 reward for information leading to the motorist responsible for the death of 11-year-old Gabrielle Lee, who was fatally struck by a motor vehicle in New Haven on June 5, 2008.

The child, a student at the Elm City College Prep charter school, is believed to have been struck by a Volkswagen Jetta.

Anyone with information about the accident should contact the New Haven Police Department.

Homicide of Leah Ulbrich - October 1995 - Hartford/Wethersfield

On Sunday, October 29, 1995, at approximately 4:49 a.m., Hartford Police received 911 calls about a woman being dragged by a motor vehicle from Locust Street west on Elliott Street toward Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford.

The caller described the car as similar to a 1995 or recent year Nissan Maxima or similar make. Another caller, using a fire emergency telephone at the corner of Elliott Street and Wethersfield Avenue, observed the female being dragged by the car south on Wethersfield Avenue toward the Town of Wethersfield. The female caller was never identified.

Just prior to the 911 calls, a Hartford Police Officer patrolling north on Wethersfield Avenue near Elliott Street in a marked cruiser observed a small dark color car enter Wethersfield Avenue from Elliot Street and travel south with no headlights on. The officer observed something unidentifiable being dragged from the passenger side of the vehicle. The officer pursued the car without success. The officer followed a discernable trail of liquid left on the pavement to the area of Jordan Lane near Ridge Road in Wethersfield.

The officer located the victim, with extensive injuries, lying against the northern curb of Jordan Lane. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by responding Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). An autopsy performed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington determined the cause of death as extensive blunt trauma and certified the manner of death as a homicide. The victim was identified as Leah Ulbrich, age 24, of Hartford and New Britain.

Since October 29, 1995, the Hartford Police Department and the Wethersfield Police Department have conducted an intensive investigation into the murder of Leah Ulbrich. Numerous extensive interviews have been conducted and forensic evidence analyzed.

In November 2001, a joint investigation was initiated between the Hartford Police Department, the Wethersfield Police Department and the Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney.

At the request of James E. Thomas, then the State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford, the Governor authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Leah Ulbrich. The Division of Criminal Justice maintains a Tip Line to take information on this case. The number is 860-548-0606.

Homicide of Julieanne Miller - September 1982 - Old Saybrook

On September 29, 1982, Julieanne Miller was reported missing to the Old Saybrook Police Department by her father, who is now deceased.

Ms. Miller was last seen at her residence in the company of her boyfriend on September 22, 1982. She is presumed dead but her body has not been recovered.

The State of Connecticut is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Follow this link to e-mail the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office with information or a tip about the case of Julieanne Miller. All communications will be kept confidential. Or call the Cold Case Unit Tip Linetoll-free at 1-866-623-8058 or at 860-548-0606 in the Hartford area.

Homicide of Joseph Mackanesi - Stratford - July 28, 1990 - $5,000 Reward

The Town of Stratford is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide of Joseph Mackanesi.

On July 28, 1990, at approximately 2:00 a.m. Mr. Mackanesi, age 32, flagged down a police patrol car near the intersection of Soundview and Barnum Avenues in Stratford.

Mr. Mackanesi reported that he had been shot by two black males that had attempted to rob him. Mr. Mackanesi was transported to the hospital where he later expired. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound.

Mr. Mackanesi was employed in the local area as a truck driver and food salesman prior to his death.

If you think you know this individual or can provide any information about this incident:

* Call the Stratford Police Department at 203-385-4100.
* Call the Cold Case Unit tip line at 860-548-0606 or toll-free at 1-866-623-8058.
* Write to the Cold Case Unit, P.O. Box 962, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Homicide of Thera Wilson, also known as Theresa Wilson and Mona Williams - January 1997 - Hartford

On Friday, January 14, 1977, the body of Therea Wilson , age 26, was found in the garage of the then-Statler Hilton Hotel at 10 Ford Street in Hartford.

The victim, also known as Thera Wilson , Theresa Wilson and Mona Williams, had been stabbed to death. At the time of her death, the victim had been engaged in prostitution.

In 1977 numerous leads were pursued by the Hartford Police Department , all with negative results. In April of 1977, Governor Ella Grasso authorized a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Ms. Williams death. The reward was increased to $50,000 in November 2006 by Governor M. Jodi Rell at the request of James E. Thomas, then State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford.

In March of 2006, at the request of the Hartford Police Department, the case was re-opened with the assistance of the Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney.

Anyone with information is requested to call the tip line at the Office of the Chief State's Attorney at 860-548-0606, toll-free at 1-866-623-8058 or e-mail the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office by following this link. All calls and e-mails will be kept confidential.

Homicides of Champaben Patel - Anita Patel - March 1996 - Windsor

On March 21,1996, the bodies of Champaben Patel and her daughter Anita were found in their family home in Windsor. Champaben Patel had been strangled and her body burned. Anita had been stabbed and her body burned.

In March 2006, Governor M. Jodi Rell authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the slayings.

Investigators believe Champaben Patel was killed first, in the bedroom of her home. They further suspect that Anita Patel and her two children arrived at the house while the attack was occurring, and that Anita told the children, then ages 3 and 5, to leave the house.

The children ran from the house and were found by a woman walking to her mailbox, who called the police.

Anita Patel was stabbed in the kitchen of the house. Gasoline was poured around her body and set afire. Although she had been stabbed a total of 14 times, an autopsy determined that she died of smoke inhalation.

The case is being investigated by the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office. Connecticut investigators are consulting with the Vidocq Society, a group of forensic experts who contribute their time and expertise in unsolved cases.

Follow this link to e-mail the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office with information or a tip about the case of Champaben Patel and Anita Patel or call the tip line at 860-548-0606 or toll-free at 1-866-623-8058. All calls and e-mails will be kept confidential.

Homicide of Agnieszka (Agnes) Ziemlewski - Farmington - September 1998

A $50,000 reward is authorized in the September 1998 homicide of AGNIESZKA (AGNES) ZIEMLEWSKI.

On September 24, 1998, Ms. Ziemlewski, age 26, was found shot to death on a walking trail on the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Reservoir property near Old Mountain Road in Farmington.

Even after hundreds of interviews with witnesses and friends and co-workers of both Agnes, as well as a reward of $50,000 being offered by the State of Connecticut, no arrest has been made.

Agnes emigrated to this country from Poland with her family in the early 1980s. She had lived in Hartford with her parents and two sisters before moving to an apartment of her own in West Hartford. Agnes graduated from the University of Connecticut and was working at United Health Care in Hartford at the time of her death. Agnes' father passed away in September of 1999 without his daughter's killer being arrested.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is urged to call the Farmington Police Department Detective Unit at 860-675-2462 or 860-675-2460 or the Cold Case Unit at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney at 860-258-5800. Or follow this link to email the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office or call the Tip Line at 860-548-0606 or toll-free at 1-866-623-8058. All calls will be kept confidential.

Homicide of Gertrude (Trudy) Ochankowski - East Hampton - January 1998

Timothy J. Liston, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Middlesex, and Chief Matthew A. Reimondo of the East Hampton Police Department announced that Governor M. Jodi Rell has authorized an increase in the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of GERTRUDE (TRUDY) OCHANKOWSKI to an amount not to exceed $50,000, the maximum allowed by law.

State’s Attorney Liston and Chief Reimondo expressed their appreciation to Governor Rell for her action and her continued commitment to the victims of crime and their families.

Gertrude Ochankowski was a long time resident of East Hampton. She is survived by two loving daughters and is fondly remembered by her family and friends. Trudy Ochankowski was last seen alive on January 11, 1998. Her motor vehicle was found running in front of 82 Main Street, East Hampton, where she had patronized a Laundromat. On the afternoon of January 12, 1998, Ms. Ochankowski’s body was found in a stream off Tartia Road in East Hampton. An autopsy was performed by Chief Medical Examiner H. Wayne Carver, II, M.D., who determined that the cause of death was strangulation.

An intensive investigation was conducted by the East Hampton Police Department with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad and the Department of Public Safety Forensic Science Laboratory. East Hampton Police devoted countless hours and resources to the investigation and continue to vigorously pursue any leads. Ms. Ochankowski’s daughters also went to great lengths to determine who was responsible for their mother’s senseless death. Despite all of these efforts no arrest has been made.

As the tenth anniversary of Ms. Ochankowski’s unsolved homicide approached, State’s Attorney Liston applied to Governor Rell for an increase in the Offer of Reward from the $30,000 authorized in December 2000. State’s Attorney Liston and Chief Reimondo believe that the increase in the reward will renew public interest and awareness of the tragic death of Ms. Ochankowski and that individuals with information will be prompted to come forward.

The public is advised not to underestimate the significance of what they may know and not to assume that law enforcement must already possess that information. Sometimes a small piece of information may be the key to assist investigators to solve a case and to achieve a successful prosecution.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the East Hampton Police Department at 20 High Street, East Hampton, CT 06424; telephone number 860-267-9922 or 860-267-9544; fax number 860-267-4208.

Homicide of Maria Laura Capon Bravo Rojas - New Milford - September 2004

The State of Connecticut is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to a conviction in the homicide of a woman who was found slain in her family’s New Milford business on September 15, 2004.

The reward for information leading to the killer of MARIA LAURA CAPON BRAVO ROJAS was authorized by Governor M. Jodi Rell and announced today by David Shepack, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield, and Chief Colin D. McCormack of the New Milford Police Department.

The body of Mrs. Rojas was discovered on the floor of the business she operated with her husband, David’s Flooring at 441 Danbury Road in New Milford on September 15, 2004.

Mrs. Rojas was killed by multiple blows to the head and shoulder. The weapon has not been recovered. Despite an intensive investigation, authorities have not identified the person or persons responsible for the crime.

State’s Attorney Shepack and Chief McCormack stated that they believe the issuance of a reward may assist the investigation by motivating witnesses to come forth with information.

Anyone with information in the homicide of Maria Laura Capon Bravo Rojas should contact the New Milford Police Department at 860-355-2000 or the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield at 860-567-0871.

Homicide of Floyd W. Ellis, Jr. - Sharon - September 2004

David Shepack, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield, and Connecticut State Police announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information resulting in a conviction in a 2004 homicide in the Town of Sharon.

The reward is being offered for information in the death of FLOYD W. ELLIS, JR., whose body was found submerged in the Webatuck Creek in Sharon on September 24, 2004, after he had been reported missing on September 21, 2004.

Investigators from the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Unit have interviewed more than 100 individuals in connection with the homicide and are seeking additional cooperation of witnesses.

The reward was authorized by Governor M. Jodi Rell at the request of State’s Attorney Shepack. $50,000 is the maximum reward allowed under state law.

Anyone with information in the homicide of Mr. Ellis should contact the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Unit at 860-824-2500. Calls may be kept confidential.

Homicide of Kelsey Monahon - Milford - May 2001

The State of Connecticut is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the 2001 homicide of KELSEY MONAHON of Milford.

Ms. Monahon, age 28, was assaulted in her home on Bittersweet Avenue in Milford on May 25, 2001, and died from her injuries three days later. The case has been actively investigated since but police have not been able to develop sufficient evidence to make an arrest.

A reward of up to $50,000 was authorized by Governor M. Jodi Rell for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

The reward was requested by Kevin D. Lawlor, the State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.

It is the hope of the State's Attorney and the Milford Police Department that the reward will generate new leads resulting in an arrest and conviction in this case.

Anyone with information in the case should contact Milford Police Sgt. Douglas Youd at 203-877-1465 or by email at dyoud@ct.milford.ct.us

Homicide of Edward Bell, Jr. - Hartford - May 6, 2005

On May 6, 2005, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Hartford Police responded to the area of110 George Street on reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Edward “Little Man” Bell, Jr. , and physical evidence.

Hartford Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel transported the victim to Hartford Hospital. Mr. Bell, age 34, was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of gunshot wounds.

On March 27, 2008, Governor M. Jodi Rell authorized a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.

The case is being investigated jointly by the Hartford Police Department and the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office.

Homicide of Nancy Valentin - Stratford - September 7, 1990

On September 7, 1990, at approximately 10:45 p.m. Nancy Valentin, age 31 was found lying on the pavement in the parking lot of Rose’s Family Restaurant at 595 South Main Street in Stratford. Ms. Valentin was employed as a waitress at Rose’s and had just left work for the evening.

Ms. Valentin was transported to the hospital where she later expired. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound.

A $50,000 reward is being offered by the State of Connecticut for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved with Nancy Valentin’s murder.

If you think you know this individual or can provide any information about this incident:

* Call the Stratford Police Department at 203-385-4100.
* Call the Cold Case Unit tip line at 860-548-0606 or toll-free at 1-866-623-8058.
* Write to the Cold Case Unit, P.O. Box 962, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Homicide of Anne Caro - Mansfield - August 28, 2005

The Connecticut State Police are currently investigating the homicide of Anne Caro, who was found dead in her residence in Mansfield on her 37th birthday on August 28, 2005. The cause of death was strangulation.

Ms. Caro was the mother of two young children. The physical evidence recovered from the scene of the crime and witness interviews have thus far not identified the person or persons responsible for the crime.

In August 2008, the Honorable Governor M. Jodi Rell authorized a $50,000 reward to the person or persons who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/persons guilty of this crime.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Unit at 860-886-6603 or the State Police Message Center at 860-685-8190.

Anonymous tips can be sent to: Crimes (274637) Text “Tip711 plus your message”.

Homicide of Shiraleen Crawford - Hartford - August 14, 1997

On August 14, 1997, Shiraleen Crawford was found slain in her apartment located at 84 Martin Street in Hartford. The Chief State Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death was "blunt force trauma" and that Ms. Crawford was the victim of a homicide.

Ms. Crawford, age 30, was apparently well-known in her neighborhood, but investigative leads have deteriorated and the case remains unsolved. On June 30, 2008, the Honorable M. Jodi Rell, Governor of Connecticut, authorized a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.

The case is being investigated by the Hartford Police Department in conjunction with the Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney. Anyone with information about the death of Ms. Crawford should contact Hartford Police Detective Michael Sheldon at (860) 757-4264 or the Cold Case Unit.

Homicide of Sara Palenza - Hartford - February 23, 2006

Governor M. Jodi Rell authorized a $50,000 reward in January 2009 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible in the 2006 shooting death of Sara Palenza in Hartford. The 19-year-old victim, a resident of East Hartford, was a front-seat passenger in a vehicle that was fired upon as it traveled along Albany Avenue in Hartford just after midnight on February 23, 2006.

Gail P. Hardy, State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford, informed the Governor that leads in the case had deteriorated. State's Attorney Hardy requested the reward because she and police believe it may generate new leads.

"I sincerely hope that by issuing this reward it may prompt someone to come forward with information that will help police bring this case to a conclusion," Governor Rell said. "I urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring a sense of closure to the family of Ms. Palenza, who has waited nearly three years for justice."

Homicide of Javed Akhtar - East Windsor - February 28, 2007

On February 28, 2007, Javed Akhtar was found slain outside his place of business, the One Stop Convenience Store, located at 68 Depot Street in East Windsor.

Investigation revealed that Mr. Akhtar, age 32, was the victim of a shooting, apparently in the course of an attempted armed robbery.

On June 30, 2008, the Honorable M. Jodi Rell, Governor of Connecticut, authorized a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide of Javed Akhtar.

The case is being investigated by the East Windsor Police Department in conjunction with the Connecticut State Police, Central District Major Crime Unit, and the Office of the State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford.

Anyone with information about the homicide of Javed Akhtar should contact the East Windsor Police Department at 860-292-8240.

Homicide of Janette Couture - East Hartford - October 13, 1973

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that the state has increased to $50,000 the reward being offered for information in the unsolved murder of Janette Couture in the victim's East Hartford apartment 36 years ago.

Governor Rell is hoping to raise public awareness about this terrible unsolved murder.

The reward, originally set at $20,000 and now at the $50,000 maximum allowed under the state's reward law, is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Janette Couture.

Ms. Couture was found deceased in her apartment in East Hartford on October 13, 1973. An autopsy determined that she had been fatally stabbed and her death was ruled a homicide.

“Detectives are hoping the increased reward will prompt someone to come forward with new information,” said Deputy Police Chief John Murphy of the Criminal Investigations Bureau of the East Hartford Police Department.

Detectives recently began reviewing case evidence complied by detectives over the last 36 years. Detectives have also resumed interviewing “persons of interest.” The state’s forensic lab has also begun to examine the evidence collected from the crime scene.

“We’re hopeful the $50,000 reward will spark new interest in the case and finally give the victim’s family closure to this horrific crime,” said East Hartford Police Detective Ellen Stoldt.

The request for the increased reward was formally presented to the Governor by Gail P. Hardy, State's Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford.

Anyone with any information regarding the murder of Janette Couture is encouraged to contact East Hartford Police Detective Ellen Stoldt at 860-291-7524 or the East Hartford Police Department's confidential tip line at 860-289-9134.