2 Charged In Groton Teen's Untimely Death: New London Police

NEW LONDON, CT — Two people are facing charges in the homicide of Dnazia Uzzle, 17, of Groton. Emergency responders found Uzzle unresponsive April 15 at a home in New London in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Buchanan Road.

N'Shon Cherry, 19, and Erica Cherry, 40, both of New London, were charged with first-degree accessory to commit manslaughter, first-degree accessory to commit strangulation, third-degree assault, and cruelty to persons. Erica Cherry was also charged with first-degree reckless endangerment.

They were arrested Thursday morning, held on $200,000 cash/surety bonds, and scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

Both N'Shon and Erica Cherry received treatment for non-life-threatening stab wounds in the April incident, according to police.

The state Chief Medical Examiner's Office ruled Uzzle's death to be a homicide in July, NBC CT reported. The cause of Uzzle's death was attributed to “a physical altercation with neck compression and blunt injuries.”

Uzzle, a New London High School student living in Groton at the time of her death, was voted prom queen and her classmates displayed her dress. At graduation, attendees placed flowers atop a seat saved for Uzzle, according to NBC CT.

Anyone with information on the incident can call New London police at 860-447-1481 or submit tips anonymously via the New London Tips 411 system.

See related: Family Of Slain Groton Teen Waiting On Answers: Reports