Man fatally stabs longtime girlfriend in West Haven, kills himself, police say

A man fatally stabbed his longtime girlfriend in West Haven Wednesday and then killed himself, police said.

The woman’s death was the eighth intimate partner homicide in the state this year, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The murder-suicide happened shortly before 5 a.m. on Gilbert Street, they said. Police received two 911 calls about a disturbance at a home there.

When officers arrived, a man approached and told them he heard loud screams coming from a house, and that the screaming had stopped, police said. They also encountered a girl who had run out a back door of the home.

Police went into the house and found a man and a woman dead of apparent stab wounds. An autopsy showed that the death of the woman was a homicide and that of the man, identified as Juan Angel Rivera, was a suicide.

A preliminary investigation shows that the woman, 41, and Rivera, 47, had just recently ended a relationship that lasted several years, police said.

Advocates for victims of domestic violence said one of the most dangerous times in a troubled relationship is when one person leaves or tries to break it off.

“Leaving is the most dangerous time for victims and we encourage anyone with concerns about their own safety or that of a loved one to reach out to Safe Connect or one of CCADV’s 18 member organizations,” said Meghan Scanlon, president and CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “When a victim takes steps to end a relationship, this is the precise time that an abuser may begin to escalate violence in an attempt to regain control of the victim. Certified domestic violence advocates across the state are available to provide options and resources for staying safe at this critical time.”

Esperina Stubblefield, director of Domestic Violence Services, BHcare, which serves West Haven area, said, “This is another tragic loss for our community and we want people to know that they are not alone, help is available. Abusers often isolate victims from their family and friends, destroying those connections, which in turn makes leaving even more difficult and dangerous. Whether you have questions, need resources, or just want someone who will listen without judgment, advocates are available 24/7.”

The coalition said anyone who feels unsafe in a relationship is urged to call/llamada or text/texto 888.774.2900 or chat/email/correo electrónico at www.CTSafeConnect.org. Bilingual, multi-cultural staff are available 24/7.

Safe Connect provides safety planning, extensive resources, and a safe connection to CCADV’s 18 member organizations for ongoing support and services locally. All services are confidential, safe, free, and voluntary. They are provided to all victims and survivors of domestic violence regardless of age, ability, gender identity, sexual identity, racial or ethnic identity, religion, socioeconomic status or immigration status. Family members, friends, professionals or anyone who suspects someone they know is experiencing domestic violence also are encouraged to access information and resources via Safe Connect, the organization said.

Christine Dempsey may be reached at cdempsey@courant.com.