Photo by Jason Edwards
Members of Rosali Acquefreda’s family stand behind Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch during a press conference Monday.
ANSONIA — The people closest to Rosali Violet Acquefreda remembered her Monday as a doting mom to a 3‑year-old son who was just starting to build a new life with her family.
Her efforts were tragically cut short Sunday when she was found stabbed near the intersection of Coe Lane and N. Coe Lane in Ansonia.
The Derby High School graduate was just 20 years old.
She worked at Dunkin Donuts on Route 34 next to Lowe’s in Derby, and she was a few days away from moving into a new apartment she planned to share with her father, Joseph.
The young woman’s Facebook pages were filled with images of her son, and posts promoting positive affirmations.
“I would like to see justice for my daughter, and as soon as possible,” her father, Joseph Francis Acquefreda Jr., said during a press conference next to Ansonia City Hall Monday. “She left behind a little boy, three years old, my grandson. Now he has to grow up not knowing his mother.”
Police have a suspect, but they have not publicly identified him yet because there is not enough evidence to do so.
Photo by Jason Edwards
Rosali’s father, Joseph, addresses the media. He has a heart problem and moved to Connecticut where he was planning to live with his daughter.
But, during the press conference, the woman’s family repeatedly put the blame on Acquefreda’s ex-boyfriend, saying he was possessive and took advantage of Acquefreda’s kindness.
The ex-boyfriend, according to Rosali’s father, couldn’t handle she had a new life.
“He’d rather take her happiness than see her succeed in life,” Acquefreda said.
The medical examiner determined Acquefreda died from multiple stab wounds. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Derby police were called to the area of Sunset Drive and Coe Lane at about 4:50 p.m. for a report of a car accident. The location was actually in Ansonia, on the Derby border. Initially police thought they had a hit and run on their hands, but realized Rosalie’s injuries were from an assault. She died at Griffin Hospital.
Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch said detectives want more information. Lynch asked anyone who may have been in the area of Coe Lane, N. Coe Lane, or Sunset Drive in Derby between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday to call the police department to be interviewed.
“You may have seen something that you didn’t think was important but it could be beneficial to our case,” Lynch said.
Photo by Jason Edwards
Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.
In particular, police want to speak to two potential witnesses who were riding a motorcycle in the area Sunday. A man was operating the motorcycle with a female passenger.
The Ansonia Police Department can be reached at 203 – 735-1885.
Police are keeping details of the crime close to the vest. Police searched for and found a Pontiac Aztec that was spotted in the area after the initial report of a crash. It’s being processed for evidence.
A police source said the Aztec belonged to Rosali. Police haven’t said how the two ended up in the car together, and what happened in the moments leading up to the attack — but said there is no indication an abduction took place. Rosali’s son was in the car when the attack happened. The child is safe and with Rosali’s family.
Lynch said detectives are building a case.
“We are extremely confident in the investigation that is moving forward right now; that we will be able to positively identify (a suspect) and make an arrest,” he said.
Rosalie’s heartbroken older brother, Joseph, addressed reporters Monday as did her boyfriend, Chris Federici.
“I just want to keep the story simple. I just want justice for my sister,” Joseph Acquefreda III, her brother, said. “That was my best friend. That was my sister. That was my everything. I want justice for her.”
Photo by Jason Edwards
Rosali’s older brother, Joseph Acquefreda III, addresses the media. Her boyfriend, Chris Federici, is on the right.
“She was a great person. She really did not deserve this. A man took advantage of her,” Federici, her boyfriend, said. “I just want to tell you I love you, Rosie,” he said.
Her brother, Joseph, three years her senior, returned to the podium to address the cameras.
“I just want to put this out there because I know she hears it: I love you, Rosie,” he said.
Her father ended the press conference with a prayer.
“Rosie, I know you hear us. We love you. We know you’re God’s angel, and you continue to spread your wings, and guide us to a better future for your son and for your family. Amen.”
