Man Found Guilty Of Murder In Fatal Shooting In Meriden: Officials

MERIDEN, CT — A man was found guilty of murder by a jury in New Haven Superior Court on Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting in Meriden in October 2020, New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. announced.

Davis Omar Roman Villanueva was also found guilty of carrying a pistol without a permit, and he was also convicted of criminal possession of a firearm in a separate proceeding that was tried before the court, according to Doyle.

Authorities said Roman Villanueva shot the victim, Casey Schoonover, in Meriden on Oct. 4, 2020. Schoonover died of his wounds within minutes after the incident, according to officials.

Schoonover was found dead in the area of Foster Court near 190 Grove St., according to police.

An arrest warrant was secured for Roman Villanueva, and he was extradited from Puerto Rico in December 2020.

“We are grateful to the Meriden Police Department and the Division of Scientific Services within the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for their work on this investigation,” Doyle said. “We would also like to thank the Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Police Department for their cooperation and assistance. While we know nothing can be done to take away the pain felt by Casey Schoonover’s loved ones, we hope this verdict helps to bring them some closure.”

Roman Villanueva is scheduled to be sentenced May 1.

“The Meriden Police Department is saddened by the loss of life in this case,” police said in a statement after the jury’s verdict. “We want to extend our sympathies and condolences to Casey Schoonover’s family and friends. Our organization welcomes the opportunity to work with our community in creative ways to help reduce violence. We hope that our community can see us a partner in the prevention process and not just the enforcement after the fact in relation to violence.

“We would like to express gratitude to our criminal justice partners in this case. Our collaborative relationships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, JD New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Forensic Lab, Aguadilla Police Department in Puerto Rico, and all other assisting organizations were a key component to the successful prosecution of this case.”