An autopsy performed Wednesday, Nov. 4, by the Office of the Chief States Medical Examiner on the body found at 41 Tower Road Tuesday positively identified the body as the owner of the home, Isidore Ellin, 79. The medical examiner also determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
An investigation commenced by the State Police Major Crimes Squad at the request of the Middlebury Police Department has resulted in significant progress and an arrest is imminent. The Middlebury Police Department would like to assure the community that their safety is of paramount importance and that increased patrols will be visible in the area.
The investigation has thus far determined this was not a random homicide, that the victim was specifically targeted and he was known by his assailant. Chief Viadero said the police department assures the community there is no specific threat to their safety as a result of this isolated incident.
Viadero said, “As the chief of the Middlebury Police Department I would like to commend and thank the men and women of the State Police Department as well as members of this agency for their rapid and professional response to this incident. The cooperation, assistance and expertise provided by the State Police Department will result in a timely arrest in this incident.”
