(Bridgeport, CT – May 8, 2014) – A cold case investigation led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man in connection with the 2011 fatal shooting of his longtime girlfriend.
Abimael Ramos, who currently is jailed on unrelated drug charges, was charged today with murder in connection with the fatal shooting on May 23, 2011, of Luz Morales at the Wood Avenue apartment that they shared.
Ramos claimed that Morales was fatally shot during a home invasion.
“Homicide cases are never closed, filed away and forgotten. We owe that to our victims,” said Capt. James Viadero. “There are times that a fresh set of eyes can help move a case forward. I also want to thank the State’s Attorney’s office for its assistance and support.”
Lt. Chris LeMaine began reviewing the case in March of this year.
“He reviewed the case file, re-interviewed witnesses and did an outstanding job of putting the pieces of the puzzle together,” said Viadero. “He was meticulous.”
Information developed by patrol officers on the night of the shooting also was crucial to the investigation, he said.
On the night of the killing, Ramos told police that Morales was upstairs showering when he saw two men outside in the heavy rain. They drew guns, he claimed, and chased him into the house, where they struggled in the kitchen. He then claimed one of the men fired a shot up the staircase after Morales came to the top of the stairs.
Morales died from a gunshot wound and also suffered a large laceration to her head that appears to have been cleaned.
Certain evidence at the scene didn’t match Ramos’ account. For example, police located blood in the bathroom where there was a signs of a struggle. The kitchen floor was completely dry even though the alleged gunman came inside from a rainstorm. There was no sign of a struggle.
Ramos also stated the gunman fired the shot from the bottom of the stairs but the autopsy concluded the bullet traveled downward in her body. Ramos did not have an explanation for the laceration on her head.
His story changed several times in interviews with detectives and in versions that he later told to friends and family members of the victim.
“Ramos had claimed that he and Morales were victims of a home invasion and that she was shot and killed during the robbery; however, the evidence showed that the home invasion did not occur and that Ramos had shot her,” LaMaine said.
A judge signed the warrant Monday charging Ramos with murder. His bond was set at $500,000.
Mayor Bill Finch commended the effort by the department.
“I hope the arrest brings the victim’s family a level of peace.”
