NEW LONDON — An 18-year-old New London man died after being shot Wednesday in the parking lot of 153 Garfield Avenue, according to an official New London Police Department release.
Police identified the victim as Richard Rowell Jr. after notifying his next of kin. Officers responded at approximately 12:04 p.m. October 14 to a report of gunfire and a possible shooting victim. They found Rowell inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds, police said.
Rowell was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment and was later pronounced dead, according to the department.
Police said their preliminary investigation indicates the shooting was not random. The release did not identify a suspect or announce an arrest.
New London detectives secured the scene and began investigating. The New London Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Unit also responded to assist, police said. New London’s Investigative Services Section is leading the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information can call the New London Police Detective Bureau at 860-447-1481. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting NLPDTip followed by the information to 847411.
The department said it is withholding additional details to protect the investigation and will release more information as it becomes available. Its release does not establish current road restrictions or school security measures.
Update October 14, evening: Added the official police release identifying the victim and confirming the response time, hospital, investigation partners and public tip contacts. This supersedes the earlier account attributed to WFSB. Both authorized scene photographs are preserved.
Update October 15: The Day reported Thursday evening that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had not yet determined the cause and manner of Rowell’s death. The newspaper said New London police released no further shooting details Thursday and had not described a suspect. These statements reflect the reporting checked that evening, not a later case outcome.
Mayor Michael Passero offered condolences and said the city would pursue those responsible, according to The Day. The newspaper also reported that state Rep. Anthony Nolan called for additional state support for violence prevention. No arrest, autopsy conclusion or connection to another shooting is established by this update.
Update October 15, 10:56 p.m. EDT: WTNH’s Ben Thomas reported that Project Longevity was at the scene offering support and services to Rowell’s family. The station interviewed his father, who joined police in asking anyone with information to come forward. This adds the reported community response; it does not establish an arrest or resolve the pending autopsy questions.
