Hindering Charge Filed in 1998 Farmington Murder Case

FARMINGTON, CT — An East Hartford woman has been charged with hindering an investigation into a 1998 homicide along a popular Farmington recreation trail.

The Farmington Police Department announced the arrest of Katherine Pires Sunday night. Pires, 50, has been charged with second-degree hindering prosecution and interfering with police in connection with the ongoing murder probe, according to a news release.

The case dates back to Sept. 24, 1998. That day, the victim, Agnieszka Ziemlewski, known to friends as "Agnes" or "Niki," was walking on a trail at the MDC Reservoir property in Farmington. She was shot and killed "at close range" about 100 feet from the gate at Old Mountain Road in Farmington.

The area is not considered a "high crime" location.

Farmington police said they have "continuously investigated" the case and partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Behavioral Analysis Unit and conducted a complete review of the case file, according to a report.

"Tremendous progress has been made, as evidenced by Katherine Pires' arrest," police said in a statement released Sunday. "The Farmington Police Department will continue to utilize all available resources and continue working with its community partners. The Farmington Police Department will not rest until justice is achieved and closure is obtained for Agnes’ family."

The maximum reward offered under state law — $50,000 — is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect, police said.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 860-673-8266 or send an e-mail to justice4agnes@farmington-ct.org.