The state medical examiner’s office has ruled the death of a Shelton man Tuesday a suicide.
Paul Czetwertynski, 50, died from smoke inhalation and from burns on his body and airways, according to the medical examiner’s office.
His body was found in a house on Colony Street in Ansonia after a fire Tuesday. Click here for a previous story.
An autopsy was performed Wednesday.
According to information released Thursday morning, police believe Czetwertynski doused himself with gasoline, and then lit a match to set himself on fire.
“Information learned during the investigation led investigators toward ongoing domestic issues between Mr. Czetwertynski and his wife,” Ansonia police spokesman Lt. Andrew Cota said in a prepared statement. “Threats were made as to burning the residence down. The wife was at the residence when Czetwertynski lit himself on fire and she was able to flee without sustaining any injuries.”
The case is closed, police said.
Czetwertynski lived on Grove Street in Shelton, according to police. Apparently his wife lived at the Ansonia address. Police said there was a restraining order in place barring him from the Ansonia house.
Czetwertynski was charged by Ansonia police June 12 with second-degree threatening and disorderly conduct. No pertinent details were available in the court file. A court clerk removed unspecified documents from the file before handing it to a reporter, saying a judge had ordered the information sealed.
The file notes a protective order was issued, presumably to keep Czetwertynski away from his wife, and that Czetwertynski was to appear again July 23.
Cota said police and firefighters had responded Tuesday responded to Colony Street at 5:20 p.m. and saw a “fully involved” house fire.
“Police officers attempted to enter the residence but were unable to enter due (to) the flames and heat,” Cota said.
Firefighters from Ansonia, Derby and Seymour put out the flames, then found Czetwertynski inside.
Ansonia Fire Marshal Ray Tingley wasn’t available to comment Wednesday.
In general, medical examiners determine the cause and manner of death of a given person.
The information helps police to know how to proceed with an investigation.
Note: The Valley Indy does not report on suicides unless the person is a public figure or the event prompts a large public response.
