Jury Convicts Man In 2022 Norwich Homicide

NORWICH, CT — A Superior Court jury on Friday found a 25-year-old man guilty in connection with the 2022 slaying of a local woman.

Atlantik Balidemaj, 25, of Norwich, was convicted of murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

The charges stemmed from the homicide of Jashira Pagan in Norwich.

Balidemaj faces up to 60 years and three months in prison at his sentencing, which is scheduled for May 20 in New London Superior Court.

Judge Elizabeth C. Leaming presided over the month-long trial.

Prosecutors claimed Balidemaj shot Pagan in the early morning of Nov. 5, 2022, in a cul-de-sac outside her home after a heated argument. According to the state’s attorney’s office, Balidemaj was caught on a surveillance camera fleeing the scene and later provided “contradictory statements and falsehoods” when interviewed by police.

New London Judicial District State’s Attorney Paul J. Narducci said, “Our thoughts are with Jashira’s family. We hope that this verdict brings them some peace after the suffering they have endured.”

Balidemaj’s defense attorney, William Koch of Old Lyme, said Tuesday he is disappointed in the verdict and “an appeal will definitely be filed.”

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