Murder Mystery in Milford Solved

Police Say Drug Deal Went Bad

Police found Jose Chevere's bullet-riddled body along Zion Hill Road in Milford Sunday night, after people reported hearing gunshots.  

The first suspect arrested in the murder is an unemployed construction worker who moved to Connecticut from Puerto Rico three years ago.

Eusebio Melendez-Ventura, 22, was charged with felony murder, first degree kidnapping with a firearm, and conspiracy.  He appeared in court in Milford Thursday afternoon where his bond was set at $2 million.

"We're confirming that this is in fact a drug related incident, that the victim knew his attackers," said Vaughan Dumas, spokesman for the Milford Police Department. 

The state medical examiner is investigating the exact cause of Chevere's death.

Dumas said Chevere drove in his own car to Melendez-Ventura's home on West Spring Street in West Haven, then was forced back into his car at gunpoint, assaulted, and shot more than once.

He would not reveal how detectives found Melendez-Ventura, because more arrests are in the works, but the prosecutor said Melendez-Ventura was in a motel when detectives confronted him. 

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