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Saturday, mar 15

Josh Lanier

Assistant Managing Editor

jlanier@dailyvoice.com

Josh Lanier started his reporting career in high school for his local newspaper. Many — many — years later, he’s still chasing leads for compelling stories. During his time writing for newspapers, magazines, and online publications, he’s covered everything from murderers to mommy bloggers, but his most interesting story is always the next one.

Josh Lanier's Contributions

Police & Fire

Meriden Man Admits To Fatal Stabbing That Ended In Stand-Off With Police: State A 20-year-old Connecticut man has pleaded guilty this week to a 2023 fatal stabbing that led to an hours-long stand-off with police, authorities said. Josue Ortega-Torres admitted on Tuesday, March 11, to killing 44-year-old Justin Sloan Sr. on Hanover Drive in Meriden on July 8, 2023, the State's Attorney's Office said. He will be sentenced to 25 years in prison on May 8, per a sentencing agreement. Investigators said surveillance video captured Ortega-Torres, his clothing, and his car as it left the scene of the stabbing. He went home after the attack and tried t…

03/14/2025

Police & Fire

Passenger Killed After Minivan Crashes Into Naugatuck Stone Wall A man was killed on Friday morning, March 14, after the minivan he was riding in left the road and crashed into a stone wall, authorities said. The crash was reported around 8:30 a.m. on Gunntown Road in Naugatuck when a Kia Sedona driving north crashed into the wall, police said. The driver sustained minor injuries, but the unnamed passenger was killed in the crash. Naugatuck police are investigating what caused the vehicle to leave the road. Police urge anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Naugatuck Officer Robert Fulton at 203-729-5221.

03/14/2025

Police & Fire

Lebanon Homeowner Ran Over By Unoccupied Car Hospitalized With Serious Injuries A Connecticut homeowner was airlifted to an area hospital after an unoccupied car ran over them earlier this week, authorities said. Volunteer firefighters in Lebanon were called to a Bush Hill Road home around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12. The homeowner was working on their car when it began to roll away. They tried to stop the vehicle, but it ran them over. The unidentified homeowner suffered "significant injuries" and had to be helicoptered to a trauma hospital, where they are expected to survive, Lebanon firefighters said.

03/14/2025

Obituaries

Police ID 4-Year-Old Girl Who Passed In North Adams Fire Authorities have identified the 4-year-old girl who passed in a duplex fire in Berkshire County as Ensley Lacosse. Firefighters were called to a duplex on West Shaft Road in North Adams just before midnight on Tuesday, March 11, to find it fully engulfed in flames. Crews battled the blaze for about 90 minutes before getting it under control, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. Four people were taken to the hospital, two with serious burns. Authorities have not provided updates on their condition. A GoFundMe for families who lost everything in the fire ha…

03/14/2025

Police & Fire

Watch Wanted CT Woman Crash Into Police Cruisers Before High-Speed Chase In Lisbon: Cops A high-speed chase that started on Route 2 and ended with a suspect hiding under a deck has landed an Old Saybrook woman behind bars with a $500,000 bond, according to Connecticut State Police. Electra Chiulli, 33, who had an active warrant, was spotted by troopers a little after 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, on Route 2 in Bozrah after officers noticed her black Subaru Legacy missing a front license plate and swerving between lanes. When police ran her information, they discovered Chiulli was already wanted for leading Old Saybrook police on a previous pursuit, authorities said. …

03/14/2025

Obituaries

Beloved Yale Officer, Father Dies Following Medical Event: 'Spirit Shined In Small Moments' A popular and well-respected officer and father is being remembered for his compassion, diligence, and support he showed everyone. Yale Public Safety Officer Gregory Swiantek died suddenly on Wednesday, March 12, following a "fatal medical event," the department said. He leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter Remy and many friends and family members. The Yale Public Safety Department said he served as a member of the Honor Guard and was a field-training officer. Always the first to offer a helping hand, his kindness, compassion, and unwavering support touched countless live…

03/14/2025

News

North Haven Shelter Euthanizes Dog That Mauled Volunteer; Animal Deemed 'Untreatable' A Connecticut animal shelter said it euthanized a dog after it mauled a volunteer, leaving her in need of reconstructive facial surgery. The Animal Haven in North Haven had previously stated it would not put down the animal after protests erupted to save the dog, named Sarge. However, after veterinarians deemed the dog "untreatable and unrehabilitatable," the group said it had no choice, according to a Facebook post. After consulting with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and animal control, we concluded euthanasia was necessary. Sarge’s unprovoked attack on our volunteer resulted in leve…

03/13/2025

Obituaries

Community Reeling After Mansfield Center Mom's Death: 'Beyond Heartbroken' A Connecticut mother who recently passed away is being remembered for her kindness, compassion, and infectious smile. Kelsey Dunnack, of Mansfield Center, was a popular waitress at That Breakfast Place in Willimantic, where she worked with her teenage daughter. The circumstances of her death have not been released. "The worst phone call anyone could receive happened, and we are all beyond heartbroken, crushed, and stuck in disbelief," the restaurant posted on Facebook. "Kelsey Dunnack had a smile and a laugh that could light up any room. She was everyone's friend—always full of jokes and lo…

03/13/2025

Police & Fire

Trapped For 20 Years: Police Detail Life Of Man Held Captive By Stepmom The numbers are chilling. A 32-year-old man, standing five feet nine inches tall and weighing just 68 pounds, was forced to live in an 8-by-9-foot room for 20 years. All because his 56-year-old stepmother said so, Waterbury police said. Kimberly Sullivan was arrested this week and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment, police said. She was released from jail on Thursday after posting a $300,000 bond. Original Report: Waterbury Woman Held Stepson Captive For 20 Y…

03/13/2025

Obituaries

Woman Found Dead In Norwalk River Remembered As 'Protector' Who 'Lit Up Every Room' The 35-year-old woman found dead earlier this month in the Norwalk River is being remembered for her compassion, sense of humor, and radiant smile. Paige Fannon of West Islip, New York, was found Thursday, March 6, in Wilton after her family reported her missing. Police began searching for her after a passerby discovered clothing on Schenck's Island. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of her death. Original Report: Police ID Woman Found in Norwalk River, Detail Search Efforts Since her death was announced, tributes have poured in. Fannon was found dead i…

03/13/2025

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