Homicide Arrest Announced By Stamford Police

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Department announced an arrest in the December 2020 death of Jeffrey Vanech, 49, of Stamford, who was shot several times while he sat in his car at the corner of Henry Street and Cedar Street.

Around 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Officer Timothy Speer saw Ernest Rosario, 20, of Harlem, N.Y., walking in the area of the Stamford train station, according to Capt. Richard Conklin of the SPD.

"Officer Speer took Rosario into custody after a very brief struggle. He was backed up by an MTA officer who was in the area. This was a very good, on-site proactive arrest by officer Timothy Speer," Conklin said.

During a search of Rosario, Conklin said, officers found crack cocaine packaged for sale and a 9 mm handgun.

Rosario was charged with murder, and was given a $2.5 million bond, Conklin said. Rosario is also charged with carrying a firearm without a permit, possession of narcotics, possession with intent to sell, and operating a drug factory. Those charges carry can additional $250,000 bond, Conklin said.

Police said on Dec. 7, 2020, they received a report of a shooting in the area of Henry Street and Cedar Street around 5:30 p.m. Officers found Vanech lying in the road, and he was transported to Stamford Hospital where he died.

The next day, police said Freddie Hicks, 36, of Stamford, was accused of criminal possession of a firearm, hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence after a search warrant was executed at a Cedar Street residence and a gun was recovered as evidence.

Hicks remains in custody, Conklin said.

Conklin praised several officers for their work in recent months on the case.

"This was a very complex, lengthy investigation," said Conklin. "Officers spoke to a number of witnesses and really used some cutting edge techniques to obtain this arrest warrant, which was just recently obtained within the last week."

In particular, along with Speer, Conklin thanked Sgts. Jennifer Lynch, Will Garay, Chris Dicarlo, and Officers Nick Spinella; Michael Longo; Charlie Williams; Luis Velez; Michael Spinosa; Leo Brace; and Luis Vidal.

"This crew of investigators has remained in contact with the victim's family. I'm sure they're hoping this gives them some closure and satisfaction in this investigation," Conklin added.

The investigation remains ongoing, Conklin said, and anyone with information is asked to call the Detective Bureau at 203-977-4417.