Man Confesses on Facebook to Fatal East Haven Hit-and-Run: Report

EAST HAVEN, CT—A man confessed on Facebook that he was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident in East Haven before turning himself in to police.

Johnassis Melendez, 23, said he was with victim Gaitana Girgenti, 27, and a 17-year-old, according to WTNH. They were staying in a Branford hotel and Melendez admitted to taking money from a taco truck and buying marijuana.

Melendez said he fled the scene on foot after quickly speaking with Girgenti following the crash. She later succumbed to her injuries.

A police lieutenant in plain clothes arrived on scene and went to retrieve his medical bag, police spokesman Lt. Joseph Murgo told WTNH. Melendez believed he went to direct traffic.

Related: Man Who Fled East Haven Fatal Accident Scene Apprehended: Police

Police put out a picture of Melendez following the incident.

The three were heading to New Haven and Melendez was speeding, according to witnesses interviewed by police. The crash happened near The Home Depot on Frontage Road in East Haven Wednesday.

The accident shut down a portion of Route 1 for hours Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Image via the East Haven Police Department