Connecticut
Community mourns 12-year-old boy allegedly killed by father in Branford
Described as a nice and caring boy, neighbors said 12-year-old Anthony Esposito was taken too soon.
“I know he was learning to play the drums,” said Mary Lou Woods. “He was more into the arts, not too much sports, but he was a sweet little boy.”
Woods lives next to the family on Hemlock Road. She said the family kept to themselves but the son, Anthony, was often outside.
“He would sit up in his in the deck behind us, but he would say he did that because he wanted to get away from the yelling. I would hear shouting, raised voices next door.”
Paul Vincent Rapisarda, another neighbor in the condo complex, described Anthony as nice, friendly and amiable.
“There was so much more after 12 to explore,” he said.
Police arrested the boy’s father, Anthony Esposito Jr., for the murder of his son on Thursday. He appeared in court on Friday.
Meghan Scanlon with Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence said this incident follows a troubling trend the agency has noticed in recent years.
“It’s typically been actually non-biological children that have been killed, but has over the last couple of years, continued to be biological children,” she said. “Anytime there’s a homicide, a family violence homicide, it’s heartbreaking. But especially when children are involved and there’s lives that are lost way too soon.”
She adds that there’s been an increase of children subject to or witness to violence at home since the pandemic.
There are counselors students can talk to from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday at Walsh Intermediate School.
There is also prayer vigil set at 6 p.m. on Sunday at St. Mary’s Church.
Connecticut
‘Serious’ crash closes Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury
DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Danbury drivers can expect hours-long closures on Sugar Hollow Road early Monday morning after a “serious” crash, according to local police.
Police said the morning crash has caused closures in both directions at the Ridgefield Line (Bennetts Farm Road) and at Miry Brook Road.
The road is expected to close for approximately three to four hours, police said.
Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes, including George Washington Highway and Route 53.
There are no words on injuries.
Additional information was not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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Connecticut
Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”
Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.
Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.
Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.
“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.
Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.
Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.
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Connecticut
Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary
Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.
“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”
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