SEYMOUR – A gun was recovered from the scene of a deadly shooting on North Street, Seymour Police Department John Bucherati said.
Who the weapon belonged to and whether it played a role in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Dean Battaglino has yet to be determined.
The chief said investigators have the gun’s serial number and that ballistic testing will be done.
“We’ve received some tips that we’re following up on. There’s a lot going on,” Bucherati said Thursday morning.
Police received a 911 call at about 1:15 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 26) saying a person was unconscious in a car parked in the Ideal Plaza at 172 North St. The caller reported the person appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.
The article continues after this Google Map image showing the area.
Emergency radio dispatches initially suspected a suicide. However, police on scene reported the victim, later identified as Battaglino, had been shot multiple times.
“There was initial report that it might have been a suicide. It is not a suicide,” the chief said.
The businesses in the shopping center – including Boland’s Cafe, a bar – were closed when law enforcement arrived on scene.
Police are not commenting on many aspects of the case because they want to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
On Facebook, a person who said he knew Battaglino posted that a large crowd was in the parking lot earlier in the evening. Bucherati said he was not aware of that report, but investigators will following up on all leads received.
People with information should call the Seymour Police Department Detective Bureau at 203-881-7638. Callers can remain anonymous.
Investigators were in the area of North Street and Route 67 Wednesday asking property owners for any home security or business security video footage.
A detective was scheduled to be at the state medical examiner’s office today (Thursday, Aug. 27) where an autopsy is scheduled to take place.
Search warrants have also been secured, including one for Battaglino’s car.
“It’s still kind of young, the investigation,” Bucherati said. “We are still in the preliminary stages.”
The Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad was called to the scene to process the crime scene. That’s routine for homicides.
Bucherati said the entire parking lot was a crime scene.
“They’re the experts in locating, packaging, and preserving evidence,” the chief said.
An investigator was sent from the Chief State’s Attorney’s office. The investigator provided guidance on writing warrants, Bucherati said. That’s routine for a death investigation, too.
A vigil with candles had been set up in the parking lot by 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Friends also mourned Battaglino on social media, describing him as friendly and loyal. A family member said they were not ready to speak.
Police said Battaglino’s last known address was in New Haven. He has extensive connections to the lower Valley, according to mourners on social media. One friend posted he had lived in Ansonia but the person did not respond to a request for an interview.