New Haven Police Investigate Death Of Man In Custody

NEW HAVEN, CT — Police are continuing to investigate the death of De'Sohn Wilson, 31, who died at the Union Avenue Detention Center on April 15.

Wilson was brought into custody that day at 2 a.m. on domestic violence charges. Then at 2:45, officers found Wilson unresponsive in his cell and immediately summoned emergency medical assistance.

An ambulance transported Wilson to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Police said in a statement that in response to a gathering of the man’s family on the steps of police headquarters on Wednesday, New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes is offering his condolences and an update on the investigation.

Reyes said, "While any untimely death is disheartening, it is especially disheartening to those of us at this police department when the person dies in our custody. Our department offers its condolences to the family and the community."

Reyes said New Haven Police followed its protocol for an in-custody death by immediately launching an investigation of the incident.

"NHPD detectives responded to the detention facility and held the scene for a full investigation," Reyes said in a statement. "In addition to making notification to the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, our department has reviewed our collected investigative material with the State’s Attorney’s Office."

Reyes said per protocol, he launched an internal investigation into the incident. NHPD Internal Affairs is reviewing operating procedures and practices at the time of the incident.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has made some preliminary findings about the death available to police but have not issued anything final pending the return of the toxicology report.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his sympathy to the family and said, “I am saddened by the loss of a member of our community. I offer my condolences to De’Sohn’s family. I have been in close contact with Chief Reyes and I have confidence that he and the department will conduct an appropriate review.”