In the quiet town of Cheshire, Connecticut, a tragic event unfolded on December 16, 2014, ending the life of 19-year-old Christopher A. Settembri Jr. A lifelong resident of Cheshire and a recent graduate of Cheshire High School, Christopher's life was cut short in what police determined to be a murder-suicide. He was found in a downstairs bedroom of his family's Cornwall Avenue home with a fatal gunshot wound.
The perpetrator was identified as his father, 48-year-old Christopher P. Settembri. After killing his son, the elder Settembri took his own life and was found in an upstairs bedroom with a self-inflicted wound. Authorities were called to the home in the late afternoon, and upon arrival, discovered the tragic scene. Investigators concluded that the father had shot and killed his son before taking his own life. Because the perpetrator died at the scene, there were no arrests made or other suspects sought in connection with the case.
Christopher Jr. was remembered by friends and the community as a kind and funny young man who had a warm smile and a friendly manner. He was an avid skateboarder and snowboarder and had a passion for cooking and baking. In the wake of the tragedy, the Cheshire community gathered for a candlelight vigil at the high school football field to honor his memory and support one another through the devastating loss. The incident left the community in shock, grappling with the loss of a young life under such heartbreaking circumstances.
