FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New Haven, CT) - New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. announced that a jury in New Haven Superior Court today found Harold Bell, age 48, of New Haven, guilty of the crimes of Assault in the Second Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-60(a)(1), Unlawful Restraint in the First Degree in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-95, Risk of Injury to a Minor in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21(a)(1), and Disorderly Conduct in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-182(a)(1). The Honorable Matthew A. Weiner presided over the jury trial.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Bell assaulted the domestic violence victim in New Haven on July 13, 2022, while her 15-year-old daughter was present. During the assault, the defendant strangled the victim in a chokehold from behind, shoved the daughter into a wall when she attempted to intervene, and punched the victim three times in the forehead with a closed fist. The victim received a significant injury to her forehead, which required three sutures and left a permanent scar. Bell was arrested on scene.
The case was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Kathleen E. Morgan and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney David J. Strollo.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2024 in New Haven Superior Court.