Branford Man's Death Ruled a 'Homicide'

UPDATE

The Chief State’s Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled that David Werblow’s death is officially considered a “homicide.”

Werblow, 41, of 134 Burban Drive, died on March 15 after a Branford Police officer used a Taser on him.

Werblow died as a result of “sudden death following physical altercation, including electronic shock and a restraint during a psychotic episode due to schizophrenia,” the New Haven Register reports.

Despite the classification of a homicide, that doesn’t mean any criminal act occurred as State Police are still continuing its investigation into whether Branford police officer John Abely’s actions were justified.

Abely has been on administrative duty or desk duty as Connecticut State Police continue to investigate Werblow’s death.

No timetable has been given for when State Police will finish their investigation.

On March 15, Abely used a Taser on Werblow, and later that same night he would die at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Neighbors have previously told the New Haven Register’s Esteban L. Hernandez what they witnessed that night. They said they didn’t believe the officers used excessive force, and that it was Werblow, and not the officers who was fighting back.

Neighbors said officers used their Taser three times on Werblow.

Read the full New Haven Register story here.

Connecticut State Police’s initial account of what happened

Then State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance has said at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, March 15 the Branford Police Department received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at 134 Burban Dr.

Upon officers arrival they encountered Werblow. Werblow. exited the residence and began walking down the street, Vance has said.

Werblow ignored officers requests to stop, continued walking down the street, and made several attempts to enter vehicles that were driving down the road, State Police have said.

Officers were able to direct motorists to not stop and keep driving. Werblow then entered a vehicle that was parked on Burban Drive, Vance has said. Officers attempted to get Werblow to exit the vehicle; however he continued to ignore their requests, Vance has said.

“A Branford Police Officer successfully deployed his department issued TASER to gain control of Werblow,” Vance has said. “Officers were able to remove Werblow from the vehicle and place him in handcuffs. Officers immediately noticed that Werblow was in medical distress. EMS responded to the scene and Werblow was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”