Southington Police Investigating Homicide [Update]

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington police are investigating a murder at a local home.

At 6:01 a.m. Sunday, Southington police responded to 58 Manor Road for a reported deceased female, according to a news release.

Police said, Michelle Barrett, 41, was found in the back yard, dead from a gunshot wound.

The incident is being investigated as a homicide, police said.

Police said the suspect, Robert DeSantis, 40, of Naugatuck went to the Naugatuck Police Department where he shot himself and is presently at an area medical center, according to a news release.

Investigators are attending an autopsy this morning at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, police said. The Southington Police Department's Detective Division, the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad, and inspectors from the New Britain’s State’s Attorney’s Office are also investigating.

DeSantis has "very serious wounds," and charges were dependent on whether he recovers, police said. The two were once a couple but no protective orders were in place, according to police.

Police said, "There is no reason to believe that there is any risk to the public," and asked anyone with any information on the death to contact local detectives at 860-378-1600.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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