Crime & Safety
Prosecutors File New Charges in Westphal Street Fatal Stabbing
David Grant, 27, now faces new charges of had charges of felony murder, two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts of home invasion added to a single count of first-degree murder, the Courant reported.
Prosecutors have added charges to the man who allegedly stabbed his former girlfriend in West Hartford in November 2011, according to the Hartford Courant.
David Grant, 27, is now facing felony murder, two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts of home invasion after a court hearing Wednesday, all charges added to a single count of first-degree murder that he previously faced, the Courant reported.
Grant allegedly stabbed to death former girlfriend Suzete Berrincha, 22, in her home at 60 Westphal St. on Nov. 3, 2011. The murder allegedly took place during the massive power outage that took place as a result of an October nor’easter.
Patch Freelancer John Howell reported the initial story, which detailed the manner in which police discovered Berrincha fatally wounded:
Berrincha was found in the basement by officers and was taken by ambulance to Hartford Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police said Grant and Berrincha, a graduate, were apparently in a previous dating relationship.
A neighbor called police about 4:15 p.m. after hearing a possible fight, police said. Grant was seen fleeing north from the home, possibly toward I-84, and police sealed the neighborhood, sweeping through yards and structures.
Grant left his car in the driveway with his passport inside, police said.
About two hours after the initial call to police, Officers Dominic Creaco and James Mahoney of the Community Interaction Team found Grant trying to hide in a garage behind 116 Caya Ave. – one block north from Westphal. He was taken into custody at 6:15 p.m., police said.
Berrincha was a 2010 UConn graduate who reportedly majored in human development and family studies.
The three-bedroom home on Westphal Street, located between Prospect and Oakwood Avenues, is owned by Jose M. and Maria T. Berrincha, according to town property records. The Berrinchas apparently moved into the 1,482-square-foot house in August 2005.
Grant has rejected a plea deal, the Hartford Courant reports, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8.
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