A woman has been arrested in connection to the death of a man in New Haven last December, police said.
Russell McKenzie, 57, of New Haven, was found dead in his home on Walnut Street around 1:15 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2024.
Stream Connecticut News for free, 24/7, wherever you are.
WATCH HEREPolice initially said that they were investigating the case as a suspicious death, but an autopsy revealed that McKenzie had a gunshot wound, and his death was ruled a homicide.
Police said 36-year-old Eileen Marrero, of New Haven, was arrested on Friday.
Get top local Connecticut stories delivered to you every morning with the News Headlines newsletter.
SIGN UP She faces charges including manslaughter, criminal possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a permit.
Police said she's being held on a $1 million bond.
During a news conference Wednesday, police said McKenzie and Marrero were friends, and Marrero had initially told police the shooting was an accident.
Local
McKenzie’s daughter, Destiny McKenzie, shared some words in her father’s memory.
“He was a positive light to everyone he came in contact with, and I just pray for healing for everybody this has affected,” McKenzie said.
While police do not know exactly what led up to the shooting, family and friends believe it had something to do with drugs.
“Russell got clean and he wanted to help others get clean, as tragic as this may be, he opened the door and tried to help the suspect on several occasions," McKenzie said.
Mayor Justin Elicker shared his condolences to the family.
“The memory of Russel McKenzie is yet another reason why we’re committed to addressing gun violence in our community," Elicker said.
The mayor went on to say that while no loss is acceptable, the city is making progress as it relates to gun-related incidents and homicides.
“In looking at homicides and non-fatal shootings combined we have seven this year where last year we had 23 which is a 70% decrease, and if we go back three years, we have 33 homicides and non-fatal shootings combined, and that’s an 89% reduction,” Police Chief Karl Jacobson said.
Marrero is due in court on May 14. Anyone who saw what happened is asked to call detectives at 203-946-6304 or the department's anonymous tip-line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).
