(New Haven, CT) - John P. Doyle, Jr., New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney, announced that the Honorable Gerald L. Harmon today sentenced Jeter Simmons, age 17, of East Haven, to eight years in prison, suspended after three years served, followed by three years of probation, for the 2023 fatal stabbing of a teen outside an East Haven elementary school.
On November 8, 2024, Simmons pleaded guilty in New Haven Superior Court to a charge of Manslaughter in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes 53a-55(a)(1).
According to court records, on May 23, 2023, Simmons fatally stabbed Dustin Cecarelli, age 15, of Northford, during a fight outside Tuttle Elementary School in East Haven. During the course of their investigation, the East Haven Police Department learned that Simmons was at Tuttle Elementary School with a group of friends when he was approached by the decedent and another group of youths. After a brief exchange of words between the groups, the decedent approached Simmons from behind and began to assault him. At that time, Simmons produced a knife from his pocket and stabbed the decedent one time in the chest before fleeing.
During today’s sentencing hearing, Simmons accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized to the decedent’s family for what occurred. Before sentencing Simmons, Judge Harmon indicated the decedent’s family forgave Simmons and said they hoped he would make the best of his life.
State’s Attorney Doyle would like to extend his gratitude to the East Haven Police Department for their investigative efforts, and to the East Haven Fire Department who responded to treat the decedent, and his condolences to the friends and family of the decedent.
The case was prosecuted by State’s Attorney Doyle and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander C. Beck.