45°
Norwalk Police cracked a double murder investigation today in fewer than four hours. After receiving a 911 call at 8 a.m. reporting shots fired, officers responded to 31 Couch St. They found two victims, Enid Dickens Orlando, 57, and Roma Knight, 73. Neighbors described the possible shooter as Gilberto Orlando who had fled on foot.
The victims were Gilberto Orlando's ex-wife and his mother-in-law. Early reports indicate Orlando's wife had been granted a divorce last month, said Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling. Orlando had been arrested in 2008 for violating an order of protection and in 2003 for threatening behavior. "One more time, this shows the seriousness of domestic violence," said Rilling. "This was a horrible, horrible incident."
More than 60 officers contributed to the investigation, said Deputy Chief Thomas Kulhawik. Norwalk police officers worked with Connecticut State Police and interviewed several witnesses. Detectives followed leads and tracked the suspect to a wooded area near Interstate 95. Rilling said the suspect was located in the woods near Exit 15. A loaded .357-magnum handgun was located nearby.
"The guys did a bang-up job," said Deputy Chief Thomas Kulhawik. He credited Norwalk's K-9 unit for finding Orlando who was hidden in heavy brush. Though officers had tracked Orlando to the area, Kulhawik said it was the police department's newest police dog, Czar, and his handler, Officer Frank Reda, who narrowed the search and located the suspect. Kulhawik said Orlando put up no resistance when officers took him into custody.
During the investigation, police contacted the interim schools superintendent, Michael Nast, who directed all city schools to go into lock down, said Rilling. "We had an armed and dangerous man loose in the city," said Rilling, commenting on Nast's decision. "We just didn't know what to expect."
Police have charged Orlando with two counts of murder and are holding him on $1 million bond on each count. Rilling said more charges might be added. Orlando is to be arraigned Tuesday morning at Norwalk Supreme Court.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
