FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New Haven, CT) – John P. Doyle, Jr., New Haven State’s Attorney, announced today that Charles Artis of New Haven entered guilty pleas on December 15, 2022 to charges of Manslaughter in the First Degree and Evading Responsibility Resulting in Death in connection with the September 2021 death of Michael Santiago, 49, of New Haven.
Court records show Artis was driving west on Chapel Street near Norton Street on September 6, 2021 when he struck the victim as he was crossing the roadway. Due to the force of the collision, the victim went through the rear windshield and become lodged in the rear compartment of the vehicle. Artis then traveled for approximately eight minutes and 41 seconds with the victim inside the car until he stopped his vehicle, pulled the victim out and left him in the roadway near the curb. Artis then fled the scene. Mr. Santiago later died from the injuries he sustained in the incident.
New Haven police were able to link Artis to the vehicle in the collision and later discovered DNA from Artis in the left inner forearm of the victim.
The case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney David J. Strollo. The New Haven Police Department investigated this matter and was assisted by the State of Connecticut Division of Scientific Services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Artis faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced before the Honorable Frank A. Iannotti in New Haven Superior Court on February 16, 2023.