Parents of Murdered West Hartford Woman Take Part in Domestic Violence Vigil

Last November, West Hartford residents were stunned with the news that 22-year-old Suzete Berrincha, a recent UConn graduate and employee of Umi Sushi, had allegedly been murdered by her former boyfriend.

According to a report in the Hartford Courant, on Wednesday night Berrincha's parents, Jose and Maria Berrincha, were among those who attended a candlelight vigil in Hartford to honor victims of domestic violence. The vigil was sponsored by the Hartford-based Community Renewal Team.

"We are here for her," Maria Berrincha, holding a photograph of her daughter, is quoted by the Courant as saying at the vigil. The event was reportedly attended by more than two dozen people.

On Nov. 3, 2011, amid the chaos of downed trees and wires in the aftermath of October's freak snowstorm, Suzete Berrincha was found stabbed to death in her Westphal St. home. Following a manhunt lasting several hours, the West Hartford Police Community Interaction team apprehended her ex-boyfriend, David H. Grant of Simsbury Rd., hiding in a garage behind 116 Caya Ave.

Grant has made several court appearances and has been in custody since his arrest. According to the Courant, his trial will begin in several weeks.

Berrincha, a former captain of the Hall cheerleading squad, graduated from UConn in 2010 with a B.A. degree in human development and family studies. with a B.A. degree in human development and family studies. She was planning to earn a master’s degree with the goal of becoming a high school counselor.