SCSU Student Named As Victim Of Fatal Whalley Avenue Stabbing: Police

NEW HAVEN, CT — Police identified the victim from Monday night's fatal stabbing as 29-year-old Southern Connecticut State University student, Nico Saraceni.

“At this point in the investigation, it appears as if this was not a random act of violence," New Haven Chief of Police Karl Jacobson said. "I do not believe there is a threat to the public at this time.”

At around 9:30 p.m., Monday night, New Haven police got a 911 call that a person had been stabbed on Whalley Avenue, between Whittlesey and Osborn avenues, according to police spokesperson Officer Scott Shumway. When cops got there, they found the man who'd been stabbed. He was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died from his injuries, Shumway said.

In a statement issued by SCSU President Joe Bertolino, he said the university community is "deeply saddened to learn yesterday about the death of one of our students, Nico Saraceni."

Bertolino said Saraceni transferred to Southern in the fall of 2021.

He was an Interdisciplinary Studies major, with concentrations in creative writing and film studies.

A senior, he had previously attended Keene State University in New Hampshire and was a graduate of Newtown High School, Bertolino said.

Saraceni was described as “well-known and well-loved” with an “empathic, kind spirit and a true intellectual curiosity,” by two of his professors, Andrew Smyth and Erin Larkin.

Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator, Jordan Jones, describes him as “an amazingly thoughtful student with a creative flair and genuine passion for learning” who was excited to learn and grow.

"There are no words to describe the profound sorrow we feel as a community because of Nico’s passing," Bertolino added.

Counseling Services are available Wednesday beginning at 4:30 p.m. for "SCSU students who wish to gather, and additional individual appointments are being offered to students seeking support at this difficult time," he said.

"We keep Nico and his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers,” Bertolino added.

Meanwhile, detectives from the New Haven police Major Crimes Unit are leading the investigation into the stabbing death of Saraceni.

Police ask that any witnesses who have not yet spoken with the Police contact the New Haven Police Department Investigative Services Division at 203-946-6304. Callers may remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1-866-888-TIPS(8477), or text “NHPD plus your message” to 274637 (CRIMES).