Press Releases
03/02/2023
Davis Omar Roman Villanueva Convicted of 2020 Murder of Casey Schoonover in Meriden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New Haven, CT) - New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. announced today that a jury in New Haven Superior Court on March 1, 2023, found Davis Omar Roman Villanueva guilty of the crime of Murder in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54a, and Carrying a Pistol without a Permit in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §29-35. The Honorable Jon M. Alander presided over the jury trial. Roman Villanueva also was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Firearm in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-217 in a separate proceeding that was tried before the court.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Roman Villanueva shot the victim, Casey Schoonover, in Meriden on October 4, 2020. Schoonover died of his wounds within minutes after the incident. An arrest warrant was secured for Roman Villanueva and he was extradited from Puerto Rico in December of 2020.
The case was investigated by the Meriden Police Department and was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Seth R. Garbarsky and Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa R. Holmes, who were assisted by Inspector Racheal Cain.
“We are grateful to the Meriden Police Department and the Division of Scientific Services within the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for their work on this investigation. We would also like to thank the Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Police Department for their cooperation and assistance,” State’s Attorney Doyle said. “While we know nothing can be done to take away the pain felt by Casey Schoonover’s loved ones, we hope this verdict helps to bring them some closure.”
Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2023 in New Haven Superior Court.