NHPD Continues Investigation of Lock-Up Death
New Haven| New Haven Police are continuing to investigate the untimely death of 31 year old De’Sohn Wilson in the Union Avenue Detention Center at 1 Union Avenue. The New Haven man died Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
In response to a gathering of the man’s family on the steps of police headquarters today, New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes is offering his condolences and an update on the investigation. Chief Reyes said, “While any untimely death is disheartening, it is especially disheartening to those of us at this police department when the person dies in our custody. Our department offers its condolences to the family and the community.”
Chief Reyes said New Haven Police followed its protocol for an in-custody death by immediately launching an investigation of the incident. The Chief added, “NHPD detectives responded to the detention facility and held the scene for a full investigation. In addition to making notification to the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, our department has reviewed our collected investigative material with the State’s Attorney’s Office.”
Chief Reyes said per protocol, he launched an internal investigation into the incident. According to the Chief, NHPD Internal Affairs is reviewing operating procedures and practices at the time of the incident.
Chief Reyes is offering again to meet with the family and representatives of the deceased and review the department’s investigation. The Chief added, “While the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has made available to our department some of its preliminary findings about the death of Mr. Wilson, the Medical Examiner’s Office has not issued a final report as they await the return of a toxicology report. Thus far, the preliminary evidence indicates the death was a suicide. The NHPD can certainly share with the family what information we have.”
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his sympathy to the family and said, “I am saddened by the loss of a member of our community. I offer my condolences to De’Sohn’s family. I have been in close contact with Chief Reyes and I have confidence that he and the department will conduct an appropriate review
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