DEADLY FALLOUT FROM A JUVENILE CAR THIEF'S JOY RIDE

FROM HPD:

On Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at approximately 12:43pm, Hartford Police Department Patrol Officers were dispatched to the area of Ashley Street and Sigourney Street in response to a report of a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive female victim, Rosella Shuler, suffering from severe injuries. A damaged vehicle, later determined to have been stolen from West Hartford, CT, was also located at the scene. The occupants of the stolen vehicle fled the area on foot prior to police arrival. The victim was transported to ST Francis Hospital where she was immediately listed in critical condition. 

A crime scene was established by HPD patrol officers and an investigation was initiated. Accident Reconstruction Detectives from the Hartford Police Department Crime Scene Division were requested and responded to the incident. 
During the investigation, patrol officers, analysts from the Capitol City Crime Center (C4), and Crime Scene Division personnel obtained and reviewed surveillance footage which captured the incident in its entirety. The video evidence and witness information led to the identification of a person of interest who was later interviewed. Based on the information obtained and video reviewed, probable cause was established. HPD Detectives drafted an arrest warrant affidavit for the operator of the vehicle, which was reviewed and signed by a judge of the Superior Court. 

An arrest warrant was originally issued on July 28, 2017, charging Deykevious Russaw, DOB 7/18/1999, of 188 Sigourney Street, Apartment 6, Hartford, Connecticut, with Assault in the First Degree, Larceny in the Second Degree, Evading Responsibility, Reckless Driving and Operating Without a License. 

However, as a result of the injuries from the accident, on Saturday, July 29, 2017, the victim, Rosella Shuler, was pronounced deceased at Saint Francis Hospital. The Hartford State's Attorney's Office was notified and a review of applicable charges was conducted with the investigating Detectives. 


On August 1, 2017 HPD Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Russaw with the following updated charges:
Manslaughter 2nd
Larceny 2nd
Evading MVAx (2 counts)
Reckless Driving
Operating MV w/o License 
These charges come with a $1.5 Million Bond

Russaw is already in custody on unrelated charges. The warrant is scheduled to be served on Tuesday August 8th, 2017 at GA 14, at Russaw's next court appearance.