Dates: May 24, 1987- October 12, 2022
The Tragedy:
Lieutenant Dustin Demonte and Segreant Alex Hamzy tragically lost their lives on October 12, 2022, following an ambush in Connecticut. Early in the evening, officers had been summoned to a local business due to complaints regarding a disorderly patron. Upon responding, they issued an infraction to the individual in question and subsequently released him. However, this individual later returned to his residence, armed himself with a rifle, and proceeded to fabricate a fake 911 call. He falsely reported a disturbance at his home and as officers arrived on scene he began firing.
Both Lieutenant Demonte and Segreant Alex Hamzy lost their lives, while a third officer sustained injuries. The suspect was killed by the third officer who returned fire in self-defense.
Lieutenant Demonte had served with the Bristol Police Department for ten years. He is survived by his expecting wife, two children, parents and two siblings.
Demonte was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant.
More info:
wfsb : Questions remain after Bristol police shooting
The Service:
Close to 10,000 citizens, friends, family, and law enforcement attended a joint funeral for Demonte and Hamzy following a processional. Law enforcement gathered from up and down the east coast to pay their respects.
Demonte’s wife, Laura, spoke tearfully, “You loved so hard and we felt that love every single day. I know you felt that love in return.” She continued, “Thank you for these beautiful children, wonderful memories that we will cherish forever, an amazing life and the deepest, most purest, special love that I have ever felt.”
In his obituary, Demonte was remembered as wholeheartedly loving his family and every moment with them. He also was involved in a homeless outreach program, Brian’s Angels and worked as a school resource officer.
The service concluded with a presentation of the flags that had adorned the caskets to their respective widows, a final radio call and “Amazing Grace” played by bagpipers.
More info:
ctinsider : A ‘kind, gentle spirit’
bristolct : Memorials
nypost : Slain Bristol cops laid to rest
The Justice:
The primary suspect was identified as Nicholas Brutcher who neighbors described as a “rowdy, beer-guzzling, divorced dad” who also appeared to be on drugs. His love for guns was also no secret and he often posted pictures on Facebook with the guns he owned. Brutcher was killed during the incident by Officer Iurato.
As of May 2023, there are still two ongoing investigations regarding the tragic events that took place into why they might have unfolded, as well as the potential role Nicholas Brutcher’s brother, Nathan, might have played.
More info:
nypost : ‘Rowdy’, beer-guzzling divorced dad
wfsb : Questions remain five months after Bristol officers killed
Delivery:
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