01/17/2020
Division of Criminal Justice Will Lead Investigation into Officer-Involved Shooting
Acting Chief State's Attorney John J. Russotto announced today that Inspectors from the Division of Criminal Justice will assume control of the investigation into the use of deadly force resulting in the death of Mubarak Soulemane in West Haven on January 15, 2020.
The investigation is being overseen by New London State's Attorney Michael L. Regan, who initially had asked the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad to conduct the investigative work. That responsibility will now be assumed by Inspectors from the Division of Criminal Justice.
"The Division of Criminal Justice, and, in particular the State's Attorneys, are well aware of the concerns that have arisen concerning the investigation of the use of deadly force by a Connecticut State Police trooper. In fact, the State's Attorneys in recent months had already initiated discussions on the best practices for conducting such an investigation," acting Chief State's Attorney Russotto said.
"The immediate concern has now brought this issue to the forefront and we are now implementing what was in the discussion stages in response to the immediate need to respond to this tragic incident in West Haven," acting Chief State's Attorney Russotto said.
The Inspectors who will be assigned to the investigation will be selected from a group of Inspectors whose names were put forth for this purpose during the recent planning discussions.
Police Inspectors are experienced sworn law enforcement officers who have the power of arrest. Their regular duties include working with the State's Attorneys in preparing homicide and other serious criminal cases for prosecution and investigative work in the specialized units in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney investigating cold cases, Medicaid fraud, Workers' Compensation fraud and other crimes.
"The Division of Criminal Justice extends its condolences to the family of Mr. Soulemane. It is our intention to complete this investigation in as timely a fashion as possible and to keep the family apprised to as great an extent as possible of the progress of the investigation. That said, it also must be noted that these are complex investigations involving substantial analysis by the forensic laboratory and other sources, which in and of themselves do take time."
"The Division of Criminal Justice will have no further comment at this time in that this is an ongoing, criminal investigation. Further public statements will be issued as required by law or otherwise warranted," acting Chief State's Attorney Russotto said.