Kelsey Mazzamaro was a book-smart and beautiful 26-year-old woman with a quirky sense of humor, remembered by her family as a free spirit. A resident of Litchfield and the Oakville section of Watertown, Connecticut, she was the loving mother of two young children, a boy and a girl. Her father, Carl Mazzamaro, said that all his daughter wanted was to be a good mother. Her family described her as an intelligent woman who they loved and cared about deeply.
On the morning of Sunday, May 6, 2018, the life Kelsey was building was violently cut short. A passing motorist discovered her body in a pond off Upson Road, in a remote part of Burlington. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later conducted an autopsy and determined that the young mother had been strangled. Her cause of death was ruled as neck compression, and her case was immediately classified as a homicide.
At the time of her death, Kelsey had a tattoo of the name "Danny" on her left arm.
The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad launched an investigation into the murder. Despite their diligent efforts, the case grew cold. Investigators have consistently appealed to the public for information, specifically seeking to piece together a timeline of Kelsey’s whereabouts on May 5 and May 6, 2018, the weekend she was killed. They noted that she was known to frequent the Waterbury and Torrington areas, hoping someone might recall seeing her in the hours before her death. Police have stated they believe there are individuals who hold key information that could solve the case.
In September 2021, hoping to generate new leads, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont authorized a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Kelsey's murder. At a press conference announcing the reward, New Britain State’s Attorney Brian W. Preleski was joined by Kelsey’s parents. "At some point, Kelsey’s children are going to want to know what happened to their mother," Preleski said. "Ultimately, we are asking for your help in giving them an answer." He compared the complex investigation to a puzzle, urging people to come forward even with seemingly insignificant details.
Kelsey's father also made a heartfelt plea for help. "If anybody has any information about my daughter, at all, it's been three years. Do the right thing. That's all I'm saying," Carl Mazzamaro said. He spoke of the unending grief his family endures, explaining, "There is never closure when you lose a child. There's always a dark spot, but I'd like to have answers." Since the tragedy, Kelsey's mother, Eileen Mazzamaro, has been the primary caregiver for her two grandchildren. A memorial fund was also established to support the children.
As of May 2025, more than six years after her death, no arrests have been made, and the murder of Kelsey Mazzamaro remains an active, unsolved investigation handled by the Connecticut State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice Cold Case Unit. While some tips came in after the reward was announced, none have led to a breakthrough.
The $50,000 reward offered by the State of Connecticut is still active. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Cold Case Unit at 1-866-623-8058 or by email at [email protected]. Written correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 962, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
