Hamden Police Arrest East Haven Man For Oct. 19 Homicide (Updated)

Hamden Police announced that they have arrested an East Haven man for the homicide of Larry Dildy that occurred on Oct. 19.

Police arrested William Coutermash, 33, of South End Road in East Haven and charged him with with felony murder, conspiracy to commit home invasion, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, removing identification off of a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm, said Chief Thomas Wydra in a release.

“The Hamden Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the State of Connecticut Division of Scientific Services, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and to the New Haven State’s Attorney’s office for the significant support and assistance that was provided to us during this investigation,” Wydra said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Officers responded to 397 Circular Avenue around 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 to a report of shots fired. They found Hamden resident Larry Dildy, 56, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds.

Updated, 2:30 p.m.

At a press conference Friday afternoon, Hamden police said they are searching for a second suspect in the homicide.

The suspect, Nicholas Papantoniou, is believed to be the one who shot Dildy, according to the New Haven Register.

The Register reported that Coutermash is accused of conspiring with Papantoniou but was not involved with the shooting.

Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra said Papantoniou is “absolutely dangerous” and possibly armed, according to the Register.

“This is a notice to the world: we all should be looking for him,” Wydra said, according to the Register.

Read the full story at the New Haven Register here.

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