Richard Riccio

I contacted everyone possible about solving it. I finally got in touch with the CT State Police Cold Case Squad. They informed me I had to contact the New Haven State's Atty. Micheal Dearington, which I did. He told me three days ago that they do know who did it but that they will not prosecute at the statute of limitations on the crime ran out. (Important to note, he even admitted they knew before the statute ran out but decided it was getting "close" to running out so they did no further investigating.

Ten Years Later: Justice Is Still Elusive in New Haven Hit And Run Fatality

It was early Saturday morning on August 20, 1994 when 24 year old Richard Riccio and a group of his friends were walking on the Tomlinson Bridge on Forbes Avenue near Waterfront Street. Riccio was struck and killed by a vehicle described as being white, gray, or light-colored. It was a small to midsize car, possibly of Japanese make, maybe a newer model. Witnesss acounts state that the car was driven by a male with a possible female passenger in it. It is believed that the vehicle sustained damage to the front end and hood area, the front grille, and a smashed front window. The car was last seen driving from Styles Street over the Q Bridge, off Interstate-95 into the James Street area. The State of Connecticut has authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this for this crime. If you have information you may contact the New Haven Police at 203-946-6304.

Richie was 24 years old when he was killed by a hit and run driver about 1/4 mile from where he worked in New Haven, on the Tomlinson Bridge.

When Richie crossed the street he cleared his side which the car was on and was almost to the sidewalk on the other side, the car swerved much too wide around a parked car it is thought, and struck him. He never braked nor slowed before or after hitting Richie. As many of Richie's friends were on the bridge fishing, etc., that night some of his friends chased the car on to the highway for miles before the offender lost them in Fair Haven.

The offender was never apprehended. For 11 years now my dream has been that this person who ruined Richie's life, my life, and the life of Richard's family, be caught. I finally spoke to the New Haven State's Attorney, Michael Dearington and it felt as if someone kicked me in the stomach, he said they know who did this but that since they found out close to when the statute of limitations was running out they chose not to follow through with the investigation and will never prosecute. I am not taking this answer laying down, I am fighting this and trying to find out why they let this person go. He caused too much pain and heartbreak to just walk away scot-free. I asked him if the name will ever be released-he replied it would not be fair to the person that hit Richie to do that since he will not be prosecuted. I barely could even squeak out "Fair? What about fairness for Richie?"

Hit and run accidents are something I never thought about until it destroyed my life personally, the pain I carry around is immeasurable. Richie was the love of my life since I was 17 years old, and still is. I found a picture of me with Richie and I said to myself, I have not smiled like that in 11 years, true happiness and innocence as to how cruel other human beings can really be to actually take a life and keep right on going without an ounce of remorse.

I love you Rich, forever my angel.................

Beth