UPDATE: Victim Identified in Hamden Death/Explosion Investigation

Update July 6, 3:30 p.m.

State Police have identified the victim as Edward A. Brooks, 39, of 59 Front Avenue in West Haven.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death as multiple gunshots with trauma to the head, neck and torso and it has been ruled a homicide.

On Sunday, July 5, members of the Connecticut State Police, FBI, and West Haven Police Department identified a residence of interest in West Haven.

A Search Warrant was applied for, through the Superior Court, and executed on the residence of interest at 59 Front Ave, West Haven. Several items of evidentiary value were located and seized.

Detectives and Investigators returned to the residence on Monday to continue their investigation and the search for, and seizure of evidence.

The vehicle of interest, a Gold Nissan Altima with Florida registration, was also located at 59 Front Ave. and seized as evidence. Detectives and Investigators will execute a Search Warrant on the vehicle also.

Through their investigative efforts Detectives and Investigators were led to the residence in West Haven, and the Gold Nissan Altima.

Detectives and Investigators expect to remain at the residence over the next few days as their investigation continues. Detectives and Investigators continue to investigate as they follow all leads, according to State Police.

State Police said there is no threat to the community at this time, and appears to be an isolated incident.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or who may know the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Central District Major Crime at 860-685-8190. All calls will be kept confidential.

Update July 6, 11:30 a.m.:

State Police Detectives and Investigators located a residence of interest and are executing a search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Ave. in West Haven.

Detectives also identified a vehicle of interest in this case. The vehicle is described as four-door, Gold Nissan Altima with a Florida registration plate, according to State Police.

The Connecticut State Police Tactical Team – West, and the West Haven Police Department are assisting in the execution of the Search and Seizure warrant on the residence.

Detectives and Investigators are searching for, and collecting items of evidentiary value, State Police said on Monday.

Identity of the victim is pending next of kin notification.

State Police said there is no threat to the community at this time, and appears to be an isolated incident.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or who may know the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Central District Major Crime at 860-685-8190. All calls will be kept confidential.

Original Story:

On July 4, 2015 at approximately 11:12 a.m. the Hamden Police Department responded to the area of Wintergreen Avenue, north of Carbonell Dr. for a reported explosion, State Police said on Sunday.

Upon arrival, Hamden Police Officers located a deceased male in a wooded area located on the west side of the roadway. Officers secured the scene, checked the area for additional victims, and began an initial investigation.

On July 4, 2015 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the New Haven States Attorney’s Office requested the assistance from the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit Bomb Squad, the Fire and Explosion and Investigative Unit and, the Central District Major Crime Squad, for the processing of the explosion scene and untimely death.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the deceased was located on the property of West Rock State Park, and the investigation was turned over to the Central District Major Crime Squad, State Police said.

Detectives are investigating to determine if the explosion is connected to the deceased found in the wooded area. There were two individuals seen in the area at the time of the incident, state police said. Suspects may be in a gold/champagne colored Nissan Altima bearing a Florida registration plate.

See related story: Update: FBI Joins Murder/Explosion Investigation In Hamden

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) also responded and will assist in the investigation. The OCME will conduct a post-mortem examination. The name of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification and the post-mortem examination.

This is an active investigation being conducted by members of the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad, Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit, the FBI, Hamden Police Department, New Haven States Attorney’s Office, and ATF. SCSU Police also assisted.

There is no threat to the community at this time, and appears to be an isolated incident, state police said.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or who may know the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Central District Major Crime at 860-685-8190. All calls will be kept confidential.