(Milford, CT) - Margaret E. Kelley, Ansonia/Milford Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that a jury in Milford Superior Court on April 7, 2026 found Eric Johnson, age 34, of New Haven, guilty of Manslaughter in the First Degree with a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-55a. After four days of evidence, the jury deliberated less than two hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. The Honorable Peter A. McShane also rendered a finding of guilty on the bifurcated charge of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-217.
Testimony at trial showed that on February 4, 2024, the defendant argued with Hector “Fabi” Dominguez, age 44, of West Haven, at the Tropical Caribbean Restaurant in West Haven. The defendant, a bouncer at the restaurant, testified that he “tapped” Dominguez on the chin, after which Dominguez walked away angry. A short time later, Dominguez’s friends saw the defendant in the parking lot and asked him about what happened, not realizing he was the one who struck Dominguez. Dominguez had returned to the lot during this time. Dominguez then exited his truck, grabbed a hammer, and hit the defendant’s vehicle several times as the defendant was backing away, according to testimony. By the third swing of the hammer, the defendant shot Dominguez six times from inside his vehicle. Dominguez fell, and the defendant drove over him while leaving. Dominguez died from four gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, thigh, and back of the head.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2026 in Milford Superior Court.
The case was prosecuted by State’s Attorney Kelley, with the assistance of Inspector Robert Winkler, Paralegal Chelsea Meehan and Isabella Nazzaro, a certified legal intern. The State is very appreciative of the work by the West Haven Police Department.