North Branford Boy, 15, Fatally Stabbed In East Haven Identified: PD (2024)

Dustin Cecarelli, 15, was fatally stabbed outside Tuttle Elementary School, where a fight broke out after-school on Tuesday.

Posted Wed, May 24, 2023 at 8:22 am ET|Updated Thu, May 25, 2023 at 3:41 pm ET

Dustin Cecarelli was identified by police as the teen who was fatally stabbed. The Office of the State Medical Examiner told Patch a stab wound to the chest is the cause of death and the manner, homicide.

"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Dustin’s family and friends during this difficult time," said East Haven police Capt. Joseph M. Murgo.

Earlier Wednesday, Murgo said it’s an active and ongoing criminal investigation and police are “working closely” with the State’s Attorney’s Office. He said charges are expected in connection with the fatal stabbing that happened outside the school in a courtyard area after school hours.

Murgo said emergency responders arrived at the Prospect Road school at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, and they were performing life-saving measures on the teen. The teen was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, and he later died as a result of the stab wound.

Murgo said that all involved were “accounted for and no threat to public safety exists.”
He said it was an "isolated incident," but there would be an increased police presence across the schools Wednesday "as a precaution."

"Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to our North Branford resident and all of those effected by this tragic incident," the North Branford Police Department posted on Facebook.

East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora released a statement on Wednesday.

Here is the full statement:

“My office has been made aware of an incident that occurred on the grounds of Tuttle Elementary School. It happened after hours and was not related to any school activity. What we now know is that an altercation led to the stabbing of a North Branford minor.

"The victim was treated by East Haven Fire Department paramedics for a stab wound to the chest. Paramedics transported him to the hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

"The East Haven Police Department is actively investigating this incident; I have been assured that this is an isolated incident. Police have identified all involved individuals and are working closely with the States Attorney’s office.

"As a precaution, I have asked for and been assured, that there will be increased police patrols at all schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Senseless violence like this has no place in our community. The East Haven Police Department has the full support of my office to do whatever is necessary to bring those responsible to justice.

"My deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family. Since this is an ongoing investigation that involves minors, I will have no further comment at this time. Requests for information should be directed to the East Haven Police Department.”

East Haven State Representative Joe Zullo (R, 99) released the following statement:

“My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Dustin Cecarelli as they grieve this tragic, unnecessary, and heart-breaking loss.

"The East Haven Police Department is actively investigating the incident and I am confident those responsible for this tragic loss of life will be apprehended and will stand to answer for their actions.

"Today, I know we are all searching for answers. I know that children in both East Haven and North Branford are coming home to parents, grandparents, and guardians today with difficult questions, none of which have easy answers. I have been in contact with Mayor Carfora, Superintendent Forti, and other town officials and confirmed that all appropriate grief counseling and social and emotional support resources have been deployed throughout our school district and are being made available to help students in the wake of this tragedy.

"I understand that the police have deemed this an isolated incident and that while this remains under active investigation, residents have been assured that there is no continued risk to safety. In the wake of this tragedy, and particularly as we learn more about what precipitated it, we must all pledge to do whatever is necessary to help prevent anything like this from ever happening again.”