Death of New Haven Woman Found in Home Ruled a Homicide

The death of a woman whose body was found in her home in New Haven Thursday has been ruled a homicide.

New Haven police officers, firefighters and EMTs found the woman’s body when they responded to 39D Jennings Way just after noon to investigate a report that someone was dead.

Police have identified the victim as 52-year-old Sherri Ann Ruffin, who lived in the home. People in the community said that Ruffin had lived there for about a year.

Raven Hodge, a supportive housing case manager for Liberty Community Services, said she went to check on Ruffin, who missed an appointment on Tuesday, when she did not respond to texts.

"I saw the picture of a cop standing in front of 39D. I had been here many times. I knew that was her apartment. I was just hoping it wasn't her," Hodge said.

State Medical Death Investigators have ruled the cause of death compression of the neck, and the manner of death homicide. Police have not released other details about the condition of the body when it was found.

Detectives from the major crimes division and bureau of investigation are at the scene and police are asking anyone with information to come forward and call 203-946-6304.

Callers can remain anonymous, police said.

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