CT Father's Death Ruled Homicide; He Always Put Family First

SPRAGUE, CT - The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Tuesday a Connecticut father of three who was shot outside his home was the victim of a homicide, according to media reports. The incident is still under investigation and no arrests have been made in connection with the case, state police said.

Police said 31-year-old Steven J. Devost sustained life threatening gun shot wounds in front of his Bay Street home on Thursday, Dec. 14, at approximately 11:55 p.m., the Norwich Bulletin reported. He was subsequently taken to Backus Hostpital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The state's medical examiner said Devost died of gunshot wounds to his torso and upper extremities, as reported by the Norwich Bulletin. The office further ruled the victim's death to be a homicide.

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The incident left many residents of the small town shocked and frightened, as these types of incidents are uncommon in the area, Eyewitness News 3 reported. Town officials said the incident is the first homicide to occur in Sprague in decades.

According to his obituary, Devost was described as a hardworking man who was loving, devoted and a dedicated son and father to his mom and his children.

He always put his family first, including hosting weekly Sunday dinners at his house, and Christmas was his favorite time of year.

Devost worked at Dairy Queen in Taftville for 10 years, where he became a manager. He also enjoyed watching and cheering for his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees.

At the time of the incident, police said a family member revealed Devost was a father of three young children, NBC Connecticut reported. The family member also said Devost was allegedly shot after going outside his home to investigate a loud bang.

Police said the incident was isolated and there is no further threat to anyone in town, according to Eyewitness News 3. Police have not yet revealed if anyone was home at the time of the shooting.

The investigation has been taken over by detectives from Eastern District Major Crime, according to NBC Connecticut.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact police immediately.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Dec. 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Labenski Funeral Home (107 Boswell Avenue in Norwich). Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Canterbury (6 South Canterbury Road), with burial immediately following at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.

Donations in Devost's memory may be made to the Hartford Children's Hospital. To read the full obituary, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com.

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