Beloved Former EH Teacher's Accused Killer Arrested: Police

WATERTOWN, CT— Watertown Police made an arrest in the murder of a former beloved East Haven teacher. During a press conference Monday afternoon, police say William Bayarinas, 48, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Maryann Kibbe-Stanisz, 70, who was found dead in her home earlier this month.

Bayarinas is charged with murder, felony murder, home invasion, and larceny in connection with him stealing her vehicle, police said. He is being held in lieu of a $2 million bond.

He was out on probation and had been charged previously with burglary, larceny and drug offenses, police said.

Police wouldn't say much about the case except to announce an arrest. They said repeatedly that the case is an ongoing investigation. Bayarinas was homeless at the time of the murder, police said.

Police did say that the accused knew the victim's late husband, though they stressed that they were not friends. Police also said the accused had previously lived in the area where the crime occurred.

The arrest warrant in the case is currently sealed, but once it's opened by the court, likely in 14 days, more answers about the motive and crime should be released.

Stanisz, 70, of Oakville, was found dead inside her home on Jan. 9. Maryann taught her entire career of 33 years with the East Haven school system, with the majority of her time teaching freshman history at East Haven High School and retired in 2003, according to her obituary via the O'Neill Funeral Home.

She died of blunt impact injuries to the head and neck. Her vehicle was found abandoned in a Waterbury parking lot.

According to her obituary, she was the widow of Karl Kibbe. "Maryann will be sadly missed by her loving family and all who knew and loved her," according to her obituary.

Several East Haven colleagues and former students honored Stanisz's legacy. One person posted on her tribute page, "Maryann was a colleague and a friend throughout our careers in East Haven. She had a quiet smile that seemed to say it all. She touched many students in a positive way and was always willing to reach just a bit further to keep some of them on track."

"I am so sorry for the terrible loss of Miss Staniz - I was one of her students in freshman history 1981. I remember her well - I recall her always smiling and very kind. I'm shocked and saddened by this awful news. May she Rest In Peace. Her family is in my prayers," a former student shared.

Photo via O'Neill Funeral Home