In the early hours of May 28, 2021, a quiet neighborhood in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, was shattered by violence that claimed the life of 44-year-old Black female, Delores Tracey Wisdom. Just before 1 a.m., police responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on Lownds Drive. Inside, they discovered a tragic scene with three individuals deceased from gunshot wounds.
The investigation determined that the incident was a domestic-related murder-suicide.
Delores Wisdom and 18-year-old Lauren "Lela" Leslie were both victims of homicide, shot by Delores's 65-year-old husband, David Wisdom, who then fatally shot himself. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Delores's death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. A fourth individual, Delores's daughter, was also shot and seriously injured but survived.
While law enforcement has not officially confirmed a definitive motive, family members of Lauren Leslie have suggested that her relationship with Delores's daughter may have been a contributing factor. They indicated that David Wisdom was uncomfortable with the young women's relationship. The incident left the community in shock, with neighbors reporting hearing arguing before the gunshots rang out. Delores was remembered as a vibrant and passionate person who worked as the Volunteer Services Manager at the Connecticut Food Bank/Foodshare, where her colleagues mourned the loss of a friend who could light up any room.
