Homepage / Connecticut News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

More Studies Needed In Officer's Death

Autopsy Results Of Shot Officer Likely Delayed For Weeks

POSTED: 4:27 pm EDT March 22, 2008

Autopsy results on the body of a Norwalk police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty are not likely to be available for weeks.

A spokeswoman for the state's medical examiner said a conclusion on the cause and manner of Matthew Morelli's death is pending until more studies are concluded.

  • Leave Your Message Of Condolence

  • Officer Remembered: In Pictures

    Authorities said such delays are not unusual in complicated cases, particularly those involving the legal ramifications of homicide.

    Morelli, 38, was on patrol early Friday when he stepped out of his cruiser to investigate suspicious activity in a parking lot. A backup officer found Morelli's body within a minute of his last radio call to police headquarters.

    Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling said Friday morning that Morelli broadcasted over the radio that he was stepping out of his cruiser.

    "Shortly after that we heard another broadcast, but then nothing after that," Rilling said. Police declined to specify what was said.

    Police said officers responded to the scene within one minute of Morelli's last broadcast. Morelli was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, Morelli's body was taken to the Office of State Medical Examiner in Farmington for a complete autopsy, Resnick said. Shortly thereafter, Morelli's squad car was towed to state police Troop G in Bridgeport.

    Officials recovered weapons -- including the officer's gun -- at the scene. It's unknown what may led up to the shooting.

    The 11-year veteran's death marks the city's fifth police officer killed in the line of duty.

    "It's a shock and tragedy anytime you have an officer killed in the line of duty," Rilling said. "Officer Morelli served with pride and distinction."

    If you have any information regarding the investigation, contact the Norwalk Police Department's dedicated telephone tip line by dialing 203-854-3111, or by fax by dialing 203-854-3006.


    Advertise On WFSB

    Advertise with WFSB-TV-DT and WFSB.com
    Reach your best potential customers by advertising on the No. 1-rated television station in the Hartford/New Haven market. More


    Sponsored Links


    MONDAY on Better: We meet a man who can carve whatever you want with a chainsaw -- watching him work is just as amazing as the sculptures he creates.
    more
    Links We Like
    Sponsored Content
    Learn about the most common cancers that could affect you and what you can do to prevent them. More

    If you’re starting to feel like your home needs a little warmth, try these helpful hints to make your living space just a little more cozy. More

    If you’re feeling like you’re not doing what you’re supposed to, take this quiz and take control of your working destiny. More

    The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

    Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

    CBS Shows Online




    Hartford Magazine
    Meriden Record-Journal
    AllGreen.com