New Haven Man, 39, ID'd As Man Shot To Death In Branford Motel

BRANFORD, CT — Authorities have identified the man found shot to death in a Branford Motel room in the pre-dawn hours on Thursday, Branford Police Deputy Chief John Alves.

Lamar Woodhouse, 39, of New Haven, had no identification on him when officers found him. Police, with help from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, were able to identify him Saturday.

Alves said Woodhouse's family "was notified immediately" after he was identified.

The medical examiner's office told Patch that Woodhouse had gunshot wounds to his "head, torso and upper extremity," and said the manner of his death was homicide.

At around 1:30 a.m. last Thursday morning, police were summoned to the East Main Street motel, where they encountered the shooter, who claimed they were robbed by Woodhouse and shot him multiple times, police said. Police have not identified the shooter.

Police went into a room and found Woodhouse, who they said was "armed" and had "multiple" gunshot wounds, Alves said. Despite attempts to save his life, Woodhouse was already dead.

"Detectives are continuing to thoroughly investigate this case, which involves the analysis of forensic evidence and execution of search and seizure warrants," Alves said. "Detectives are working in collaboration with the Office of the New Haven Chief State’s Attorney and the investigation will determine if charges will be forthcoming."

Alves initially said that he was "allegedly unknown to those involved."

Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crimes worked with Branford police to process the scene of the fatal shooting at the 470 East Main St. motel.

Alves said Friday that police got several search warrants for two rooms at the rear of the East Main Street motel and for "multiple vehicles" investigators said were "involved in the incident. "

He said that all the people and the weapons involved were accounted for and there were "no associated public safety concerns."

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Branford Police Department at 203-481-4241 or the anonymous tip line at 203-315-3909.

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