By David Lohr
(Continued)
On Friday, East Hartford police officer Hugo Benettieri startled local media when he announced that his department had found evidence confirming that Shamaia had been murdered. Benettieri said that the case was being handled as a homicide. He refused to comment on what evidence was found, and he would not say whether the evidence had been recovered from Otto's vehicle or property. However, he did say that Otto was still a "person of interest" in the case.
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| East Hartford Police Patch |
Following Benettieri's statements to the press, Brown spoke separately with reporters. He said that his client was unsettled by the investigation, and that he had no motive to harm Shamaia.
Neighbors of Otto's described him to reporters as a pleasant man who was friendly and family oriented. They said that it is not unusual to see him at his Stafford property, where he hunts, and produces maple syrup.
Police remain tight-lipped on the investigation, and refuse to comment on whether an arrest is imminent. More details are expected later this week.
Shamaia stands 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs about 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, brown boots, blue jeans, and carrying a black book bag.
UPDATE: 4/23/07 - 12:18 p.m. Law enforcement sources say they found a woman's remains on the Stafford property they searched last week. Forensic tests are being conducted and positive identification is pending.
Anyone with information in the disappearance or murder of Shamaia Smith is asked to call the East Hartford Police Department at (860) 528-4401 or the anonymous tip line at 860-289-9134.
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