A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree manslaugher following the fatal stabbing of a former East Haven resident during a fight along Maplevale Road on Tuesday afternoon.
According to East Haven Police Sgt. David Emerman, at 2:15 p.m the department received numerous 911 calls reporting a fight among several males in the area of 20 Maplevale Road.
Initial investigation revealed that three brothers — all former East Haven residents who now reside in Wallingford — were assaulted by two other males.
All Three Lieto Brothers Injured
Emerman reports that Michael Lieto, 21, received at least one stab wound and Robert Lieto, 27, was also injured.
Both were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital.
The third brother Dion Lieto, 25, was "assaulted with an unknown blunt object, but was able to assist and is cooperating with police investigators."
Homicide Investigation
Emerman stated that at about 4:16 p.m. on Tuesday, the department was notified by Yale-New Haven Hospital that Michael Lieto had died as a result of injuries sustained from the assault.
Robert Lieto was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital.
The Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Squad is assisting with this homicide investigation.
Initial investigation indicates that the dispute took place over a stolen item.
First-Degree Manslaughter
A short time after the incident, the East Haven Police Department arrested Aaron Powell, 21, and a 17-year-old juvenile male.
Powell is charged with first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, carrying a dangerous weapon, and second-degree breach of peace.
Powell was held on a $1 million bond and will be arraigned in New Haven court Wednesday.
Sgt Emerman told East Haven Patch that while the most recent listed addresses for Powell are in New Haven, police investigators believe he was staying at a residence near where the incident occurred on Tuesday.
Candlelight Vigil Wednesday Night
A candlelight vigil has been planned from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday on the East Haven Town Green to honor Michael Lieto, according to reports on Facebook and Twitter.
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From what I heard it happened in front a woman’s house that runs a daycare!!!
Our town has been on a rapid decline lately but I don't fault the police at all. Lets take a look at taco joe before we hop down the throats of men who are investigating and working their behinds off to protect the family of the victim as well as make sure the killer stats behind bars. Maybe if our little wellness ambassador mayor wasn't so set on trying to be politically correct after his little taco fiasco, we wouldn't have to be worrying about people from neighboring towns feeling welcome enough to come here and commit murder. But as Kim said, this is not a political debate. This is about a family who lost the life of a great kid. And don't anybody DARE have the audacity to belittle the police department. I was at the candlelight vigil at the scene of the crime, and despite getting called worthless, that cop stayed at his post and made sure we were all protected. Ignorant comments people, ignorant. Let the police do their jobs without your interference and unnecessary attempts at digs.
There are slight but meaningfull differences between what is required for murder compared to manslaughter. Circumstances that led up to a death will dictate the charge. Referred to as elements within statute, suttle, but are different.
That being said, my heart breaks for the mother who lost her son and for the young life cut short. I wish them peace at this time of sorrow.
Mark Maio sr.