Middlesex State’s Attorney Michael A. Gailor has been assigned to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of Mubarak Soulemane on January 17, 2020, in West Haven.
Acting Chief State’s Attorney John J. Russotto said the investigation has been reassigned to State’s Attorney Gailor in light of the decision to have the investigation conducted by Inspectors from the Division of Criminal Justice.
The underlying investigative work has historically been done by the Connecticut State Police, however, it was decided to have Division of Criminal Justice Inspectors conduct this investigation in that the use of force involved a state trooper.
"The Division of Criminal Justice again extends its condolences to the family of Mr. Soulemane, and we reiterate our intention to complete this investigation in as timely a fashion as possible,” acting Chief State’s Attorney Russotto said.
“In that the circumstances of this investigation have changed significantly with the assignment of the investigatory work to the Division’s Inspectors, and considering the current caseload of the New London State’s Attorney’s Office, it is prudent that this matter now be assigned to another State’s Attorney,” acting Chief State’s Attorney Russotto added.
New London State’s Attorney Michael L. Regan, who was initially assigned to the investigation, is preparing for the scheduled start of trial in March of what is expected to be a lengthy trial involving the slayings of three individuals in Griswold.
The Division of Criminal Justice Inspectors are experienced, sworn law enforcement personnel. They will conduct interviews and collect other evidence that will be submitted to State’s Attorney Gailor, who has the ultimate responsibility of determining if the use of force was justified under the law.