East Haven Police: 21-Year-Old Charged with First-Degree Manslaughter in Fatal Stabbing

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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