Winsted, Conn. — A 54-year-old restaurant owner was found dead in her home, leading to a murder charge against her estranged husband. Carrie Stetson’s body was discovered June 8 following a family’s alarming 911 call, prompting an extensive investigation involving local and state police and forensic specialists.
Authorities reported that a family member entered the home on Oak Street, noticing a trail of blood leading from a bathroom to a nearby bedroom. Inside, responders found Carrie Stetson unresponsive and a knife near her body. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Her estranged husband, 67-year-old Leon Stetson, was located nearby with a serious neck injury and was transported to Hartford Hospital. Investigators believe he may have attempted to take his own life after allegedly attacking his wife. He faces multiple charges, including murder and violation of a protective order, and remains in custody with a bond set at $3 million.
The tragic incident unfolded late in the evening when police were dispatched after two visitors to the home received no answer. One of the individuals was reportedly one of Stetson’s adult children. Concerned by the blood, they chose to call authorities instead of venturing further inside the house. Officers arrived to discover Carrie unresponsive, while Leon was still alive but gravely injured.
As detailed in the arrest warrant, Leon Stetson exhibited critical signs of distress, with emergency workers describing him as having difficulty breathing and at times losing consciousness. His neck wound has been characterized as likely self-inflicted, although the exact order of events remains under investigation.
Later findings from the state medical examiner confirmed that Carrie died from sharp-force injuries, categorizing her death as a homicide. However, court documents have not yet disclosed the full autopsy report or offered a comprehensive reconstruction of the events that transpired in the home. Several details remain unclear, such as the attack’s timing and prior communications between Carrie and Leon.
While at the hospital, Leon made written statements that may serve as pivotal evidence. Reportedly, he wrote, “You know how I did it,” and referenced events that had gone “south” and turned “ugly.” The admissibility of these statements in court could hinge on various factors, including his mental state and the conditions under which the statements were obtained.
The couple had a tumultuous history leading up to the incident, with a protective order in place that barred Leon from approaching Carrie. She had sought this order after expressing concerns over his erratic behavior and threats that jeopardized her safety. Prior incidents involving Leon, including a recent arrest stemming from domestic disputes, further complicate the case.
Carrie Stetson was well-respected in the community as the owner of the Railway Cafe, a restaurant that became a local favorite during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cafe was a family venture, with Carrie actively involved alongside her children. Her passing has sparked significant community support, with fundraisers organized to assist her family and staff during this challenging time.
Friends and family have remembered Carrie not only for her contributions to the community but also for her love of animals and civic engagement. Her legacy continues as her children plan to reopen the Railway Cafe, aiming to honor their mother’s commitment to family and community life.
Leon Stetson has since faced legal proceedings from his hospital bed, with the court holding a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 11. The case remains under review as legal teams scrutinize the gathered evidence and witness statements, while the community reflects on the tragic loss of a beloved figure.