Danbury Car Dealership Pays Car Lease for Slain Bethel Woman

BETHEL — Calling it "a degree of kindness that I have NEVER witnessed first hand in my 51 years on this earth," the uncle of slain Bethel woman Emily Todd took to social media to describe how a car dealership answered his family's prayers.

Todd still had two years left on her car lease when she was murdered in Bridgeport. Her family also wanted nothing to do with the vehicle, which police say the murder suspect had stolen. But as detailed in the commentary for the GoFundMe campaign established on behalf of Todd's family, the family entertained little hope of getting out from under that car lease:

"While we are going to make a heartfelt plea to the leasing company, it is highly likely that the remaining 2 years will have to be paid in full in order to satisfy the contract," the post reads in part.

Through the actions of a generous car dealership in Danbury, that's all been turned around.

When Greg Henry, Todd’s uncle, took his niece's car back to the Kia dealership and recounted the events that brought him there to Sal Sinardi, the dealership's general sales manager, the reaction he got was far from anticipated.

"Within minutes, Mr. Sinardi was overcome with emotion. It was all over his face," Henry wrote on a Bethel Facebook forum page.

"About 5 minutes later, Mr. Sinardi printed out a piece of paper, handed it to me and said 'I just paid the car off. It now belongs to my dealership. It’s the very least I can do. I am so sorry for your family’s tragic loss.' Goosebumps, a hot flash and tears ensued," Henry wrote.

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Todd, a 2011 Bethel High graduate, was found dead at Bridgeport Harbor after being shot in the back of the head. Brandon Roberts, 26, has confessed to killing her, and anther woman.

Go Fund Me is a Patch promotional partner.

Photo of Emily Todd provided.