Avon Police Sergeant And Wife Found Shot To Death At East Granby Home

EAST GRANBY, CT — Police have identified a man and woman who were found shot to death inside a home on Wynding Hills Road late Sunday afternoon.

The victims have been identified as Avon police Sgt. Thomas Jacius, 49, and his wife, Doreen Jacius, 48, director of the East Granby Public Library. East Granby property records indicate the two owned the house together.

Doreen Jacius died from gunshot wounds to the neck and torso, while Thomas Jacius died from a head wound consistent with suicide, according to the office of the state's chief medical examiner.

Around 5:48 p.m. Sunday, state police at Troop H in Hartford received 911 calls of shots fired on Wynding Hills Road. At 5:54 p.m., troopers and East Granby Officers arrived on scene and located two victims with gunshot wounds. EMS arrived on scene and pronounced both parties deceased, police said.

There is no threat to the public, according to state police. Members of the Central District Major Crime Squad are investigating the case; it remains an open and active investigation, police said.

A spokesperson for the Avon Police Department confirmed Thomas Jacius was a sergeant with nearly 24 years of service on the force.

"We have notified all Avon Police Department members and have enlisted the support of our employee assistance program," Lt. John Schmalberger said in a written statement. "Likewise, we are grateful for the assistance from colleagues in police departments across the state of Connecticut. The Avon Police Department is deeply saddened by the events that have transpired and our condolences go out to the families, our friends and the community."

The East Granby library has closed temporarily following the death of Doreen Jacius. A vigil has been scheduled there for Monday at 7 p.m.