New London Woman Allegedly Strangles Teen Daughter

At approximately 11:41 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, New London Police received the second report of a 15-year-old female runaway. The teen was listed as a runaway earlier that evening and then located at 10:15 p.m., New London Deputy Chief Peter Reichard said.

Lorna Maldonado told police her daughter had fled the home wearing only her underclothes.

All on-duty resources, including two Waterford police K-9 teams, conducted a systematic search of the neighborhood, to no avail. Officers followed up on potential locations of the teenager’s whereabouts. She returned to the residence shortly after police had left and police were informed of her return.

Upon contacting the teenager, police learned that shortly after her earlier return to the home, Maldonado allegedly assaulted her with a large electrical cord and then with her hands.

Maldonado allegedly dragged the teenager outside and locked the door, when she was wearing underclothing only. The temperature was five degrees at that time, Reichard said.

The teenager was able to get light clothing from a neighbor and a ride out of the area. She sustained injuries to her face, neck and the back of her legs.

Maldonado was charged with assault in the second degree, risk of injury to a minor and strangulation in the third degree. She was held on a $25,000 cash surety bond.